Reverend Edward G. ST-GODARD, 77, pastor emeritus of Holy Family Parish, Woonsocket, died Tuesday, January 10, 2017.
Born in Pawtucket, a son of the late David and Antoinette (DesForges) St-Godard, he attended Our Lady of Consolation School in Pawtucket and Sacred Heart Academy, Central Falls. In preparation for the priesthood, he studied at Our Lady of Providence Seminary in Warwick Neck and at St. Bernard Seminary in Rochester, New York. He was ordained a priest on May 23, 1964 in the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul, Providence, by Bishop Bernard M. Kelly.
Immediately following ordination, Father St-Godard served as summer assistant pastor at St. Thomas More Parish, Narragansett. Father then served as assistant pastor at: St. John the Baptist Parish in West Warwick (1964-68); Holy Family Parish in Woonsocket (1968-69); St. Joan of Arc in Cumberland (1969-71); Our Lady of Consolation in Pawtucket (1971-76); St. John the Baptist in Pawtucket (1976-82); St. Joseph in Pawtucket (1982-90); and Holy Family in Woonsocket (1990-91). In June 1991, Father St-Godard was appointed pastor of Holy Family Parish in Woonsocket and remained there until July 2016, when he retired as pastor emeritus.
Father St-Godard also served on the diocesan Ecumenical Commission, was a trustee of the Pawtucket Public Library, a board member of the Pawtucket Redevelopment Board, former Chaplain of the Woonsocket Fire Department, and a recipient of the RI Philanthropy Award 2002. He served as chaplain and was a 4th degree Knight of Columbus.
Father St-Godard was the co-author of the book “The French in RI”, and author of “Our Lady of Consolation Parish” and “History of Our Lady of Consolation Church” 1975, “St. John’s Parish in Pawtucket” 1979, History of Holy Family Parish” 1991. He also wrote a religious column for the Woonsocket Call for the past fourteen years which is now a 4 volume series “From the Pulpit”.
After his retirement from parish administration, Father St-Godard resided in Pawtucket.
He is survived by a godson Robert Robin of Pawtucket and his prized cats Ebony and Emily. He was predeceased by his sister Theresa St-Godard.
Calling Hours will be on Sunday, January 15th from 2-5pm at Holy Family Church, 414 South Main Street, Woonsocket. A Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial for the repose of Father’s soul will be offered on Monday, January 16th at 10am at Holy Family Church, Woonsocket. Burial at Notre Dame Cemetery in Pawtucket will be private. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Fournier & Fournier Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory to Hope Hospice & Palliative Care, 1085 North Main St., Providence, RI 02904-9826 in his memory would be appreciated.