1930 – 1966 (December 24)
Bernard Joseph Dunleavy was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on August 5, 1930, to Bernard Dunleavy and Margaret Rodgers. He attended the parochial school of Our Mother of Consolation, Chestnut Hill, and graduated from Roman Catholic High School, Philadelphia. He entered the novitiate in September 1950 and after the profession of simple vows on September 10, 1951, began studies at Villanova College, from which he graduated in 1954. Bernard made his solemn profession on September 10, 1954 and pursued theological studies at Washington, D.C. He was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop John M. McNamara on June 8, 1957 at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. The following year he was awarded an M.A. degree from Villanova.
Father Dunleavy was assigned to Monsignor Bonner High School, Drexel Hill, where he taught for six years and directed the track team. In September 1964, he was transferred to Austin Preparatory School, Reading, Massachusetts. After two years he was transferred to Our Mother of Consolation Parish, Chestnut Hill, where he was already showing signs of deteriorating health.
Father Dunleavy died of a brain tumor in Fitzgerald-Mercy Hospital on December 24, 1967, at the age of 36, after many months of patient and edifying suffering. His Funeral Mass was celebrated at Our Mother of Consolation Church by Prior Provincial, James Sherman, O.S.A. Father Michael McGinnis, O.S.A. preached the homily. Father Dunleavy is buried at Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken, Pa.
