Rev. Joseph J. Svirskas, 90, formerly of Derry, NH passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 29, 2017 at the home of his friend and longtime caregiver. He was born on March 10, 1926 in Nashua, NH, a son of the late Peter and Nellie (Knisute) Svirskas. In 1939, Joseph moved to Haverhill, MA where he resided for many years, retiring to Derry, NH then moving to S. Hamilton, MA nine years ago. He graduated from Boston College and later received his Masters of Divinity from St. John’s Seminary.
Rev. Svirskas was ordained on April 11, 1951 at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston, MA. He pastored to many communities in MA and was assigned to several churches including Star of the Sea in Salisbury, St. Pius in Lynn, St. Joseph’s in Lowell, St. George’s in Norwood, St. Peter’s in South Boston, St. Mary’s in Billerica, St. George’s in Haverhill, St. Michaels in North Andover and finally retired from St. Lucy’s in Methuen.
Rev. Svirskas was predeceased by his parents as well as his sister Anne Svirskas. He leaves behind many friends especially his dear friend Geri Ferreira of S. Hamilton, MA.
A calling hour was held on Friday, February 3, 2017 from 9:30 – 10:30am in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch Street, Derry. A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated at 11:00am in St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 26 Crystal Avenue, Derry. The burial followed in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Haverhill, MA.