South Orange Obituary: Rev. Peter F. Lennon

Reverend Peter F. Lennon, a longtime Seton Hall teacher and Jersey City native, passed away on Aug. 18.

He was 87-years-old.

The following obituary comes courtesy of Preston Funeral Home:

“Reverend Peter F. Lennon passed away on Tuesday, August 18, 2015 at St. Catherine of Siena Nursing Home in Caldwell.

“Father Lennon was born in Jersey City on December 7, 1928. He was the son of the late Peter F. and Margaret Corris Lennon. Father Lennon attended Seton Hall Preparatory School and was graduated in 1947. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Seton Hall University in 1951 and his Licentiate in Sacred Theology from The Catholic University of America in 1955. Father Lennon was ordained a priest on June 4, 1955 by the late Archbishop Thomas A. Boland and was assigned immediately to Seton Hall.

“Father Lennon taught at Seton Hall Prep from 1955 to 1960. In 1960 he became an Instructor in Theology at the University until 1965 during which time he received a Master’s Degree in Liturgy from the University of Notre Dame. In 1965 Father Lennon became an Instructor in Psychology and received his Doctorate in Psychology from Duquesne University in 1969 after which time he rose from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor of Psychology. Father Lennon retired from teaching in 1998.

“Father Lennon was honored with the Bishop Bernard McQuaid Medal, Seton Hall University’s most distinguished award, in 1995.

“Although no longer in the classroom Father Lennon continued to serve Seton Hall, as well as numerous parishes, with a dedicated priestly ministry until 2011 when he took up residence at Saint Catherine’s Infirmary at Mount Saint Dominic in Caldwell because of declining health.

“Over the course of his entire priesthood Father Lennon’s accomplishments in the area of psychology, his reputation as a wonderful teacher and his devoted priestly service, all marked him out as an extraordinary member of the Seton hall University community and showed him as a person who had served Seton Hall with distinction and affection.

“In addition to his brother priests of the Archdiocese of Newark and especially of Seton Hall University, Father Lennon is survived by the devoted members of the Schiller and DiQuollo families, including many nieces and nephews who loved their dear “Uncle Peter,” and many colleagues and friends.

“The Seton Hall University community joins Father Lennon’s family and many cherished friends in mourning his passing and raises fervent prayers that the Lord will welcome His good and faithful servant and priest to the heavenly kingdom.

“In lieu of flowers donations to Saint Catherine’s Infirmary in Caldwell will be appreciated.”