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McCloskey, Joseph M. (Father)

March 2, 2016

Jesuit Father Joseph M. McCloskey died March 2, 2016, at Manresa Hall in Philadelphia after suffering a stroke the previous year. He was born on Oct., 24, 1932, in New York City, the son of the late Joseph and Frances McCloskey.

McCloskey, Joseph M.

Jesuit Father Joseph M. McCloskey died March 2, 2016, at Manresa Hall in Philadelphia after suffering a stroke the previous year. He was born on Oct., 24, 1932, in New York City, the son of the late Joseph and Frances McCloskey.

He attended St. Francis Xavier High School where he captained the track and cross-country teams. He entered the Society of Jesus in 1950 and was ordained in 1963. After ordination, he served in Chile and Samoa. After returning to the United States, he was active in spiritual direction in North Carolina, Virginia and Washington, D.C.

He received his bachelor’s degree in classical studies and a master’s degree in philosophy from Fordham University and went on to receive another master’s degree in education and counseling from George Washington University.

He had been in residence at Gonzaga College High School for the last 25 years. He was an avid bridge player, golfer, tennis player and skier. He resumed his running career by running his first of five marathons at the age of 60. To the chagrin of his many scrabble partners, he seldom lost.

In addition to providing individual spiritual direction and regular retreats to thousands of people over the course of his Jesuit life, Fr. McCloskey was a beloved member of many spiritual communities for whom he provided spiritual wisdom and companionship. Among those communities were the Catholic Cursillo movement, Kairos retreats, the Ignatian Volunteer Corps, the Christian Life Community, the PAX community, NOVA, Ignatian study and prayer groups at Gonzaga College High School, numerous parishes as a visiting priest, and Alcoholics Anonymous.

He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Peter and Louise McCloskey of McLean, Virginia, and sister and brother-in law Margaret and Gerald Ferguson of Fairfax, Virginia. He took great pride and joy in his nine nephews and nieces and 32 grand nephews and grand-nieces.