Horgan, Paul L. (Father)

Jesuit Father Paul L. Horgan, a Jesuit missionary in the South Pacific, died on Nov. 9, 2015, after a long illness. He resided at Fordham University in Murray-Weigel Hall, Bronx, New York.

Fr. Horgan was born in Orange, New Jersey, on March 3, 1937, the oldest of five boys. Entering the Society of Jesus at the age of 17, after graduating from Xavier High School in Manhattan, New York City, Fr. Horgan was ordained in June 1968. He served for 60 years as a Jesuit missionary.

Most of his life was spent in Micronesia on the islands of Chhuk, Yap and Pohnpei, working as a teacher, pastor and chaplain. He also spent a few years in New York City, working for “America,” the Jesuit Catholic magazine.

Fr. Horgan was a prolific letter writer, maintaining long distance correspondence with many people throughout the world, remaining connected during long separations from family and friends. He touched many lives over many continents and will be missed.

Fr. Horgan was predeceased by his parents, Marion Leith Horgan and Andrew B. Horgan Jr.; his brother, Andrew B. Horgan III, and his aunt, Rita Horgan Wolff. He leaves behind his brothers and sisters-in law, John and Juanita (Rutherford) Horgan; Michael and Eleanor (Schoch) Horgan; Peter Horgan, and many Horgan nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews, as well as his fellow priests and brothers in the Society of Jesus.