Birth date: Dec 17, 1955 Death date: Aug 25, 2024
Reverend William E. Grogan, Jr., Pastor, Holy Cross Parish, Philadelphia, died on Sunday, August 25, 2024. He was 68 years old. Father Grogan was born in Baltimore, Maryland. He is the son of the late William E. and Nora M. (Lough Read Obituary
My condolences to the family and parishioners. Met Father Bill and his blue car (Mustang?) at St Martin’s while I was still attending SJU. After moving to California, was pleasantly surprised to hear from him in August 86 when he was visiting San Francisco and my son had just been born. He was a welcomed face from home. May he rest in the arms of our Lord.
I remembered when he was being introduced in my classroom when he was assigned to St Martin of Tours. Very young to us as he has no grey hair and was friendly. I was happy when he was assigned to Cardinal Dougherty. I saw him at BJ’s wholesale club in tire dept installing the tires on his car. I spoke with him. One of my coworkers asked how I knew him and I explained he was a priest in my Parrish and high school when I was enrolled. As I was starting the installation my coworker went to him and asked for a blessing as he was a new father and Fr. Grogan did it without hesitation. He had a way about him. Quiet and kind.
Father Grogan made the church a welcoming place. He remembered the names of congregants that only came in once in a blue moon, and greeted you warmly no matter how much time had passed, making you feel like you were coming home. He was so incredibly passionate about his work and other people, and it showed every time he spoke, whether in sermons or just a personal chat. He was incredibly smart, thoughtful, kind, and beloved. He is already dearly missed. My prayers and love for his family.
Father Grogan, I only truly appreciated your beautiful priesthood this year in its fullest. A privilege to witness it and to be consoled by it. Such a blessing to share the pain of your loss with the flock who remain. I thank God for it and I rejoice that you join the saints who eternally see the face of God.
To Maryanne, Jim and the rest of the Family. So sorry to hear about Billy’s passing. I have so many memories of him when he started in the Seminary and would come around - I remember how hard it was for me to call him Mr. Grogan. My thoughts are with you all. Try to take comfort that he is reunited with your parents.
Clare Platt Beatty ( pat and bob’s younger sister
