The Diocese of Scranton's oldest and longest-ordained priest, Monsignor James T. Clarke, died on Good Friday at age 99.
Monsignor Clarke was ministering to others even on his deathbed, said the Rev. Thomas Muldowney, the vicar general/director of clergy personnel of the diocese.
With his health failing, Monsignor Clarke was admitted Wednesday to Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, where Father Muldowney visited him in the intensive care unit and said the Commendation of the Dying prayer.
"When I got done, he said, 'Now, can I pray for you?' It was one of the most touching moments of my life," Father Muldowney said. "I think that summarizes his life. He was a very good, holy priest, a man of prayer and a man of service."
Pastor emeritus of St. Ignatius Church in Kingston, Monsignor Clarke was a resident at St. Therese Residence.
Born in Scranton on Oct. 17, 1913, Monsignor Clarke attended Scranton public schools and St. Thomas College, which is now the University of Scranton.
Ordained on Dec. 8, 1938, Monsignor Clarke served in several churches and positions in Lackawanna, Luzerne and Wayne counties.
His first assignment was as an assistant pastor of St. Patrick's in Scranton, and later he served as an assistant pastor and administrator at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Hazleton.
While serving as an assistant pastor at Holy Rosary Church in Wilkes-Barre, he also taught religion and philosophy at College Misericordia in Dallas, where he also served as a trustee of the board.
Monsignor Clarke was pastor of St. Ignatius Church in Kingston from 1975-89. After his retirement, he assisted the pastors at St. Rita's Parish in Gouldsboro by celebrating weekend Mass until his 85th birthday.
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