Rev. William F. McGeown, 71, priest

The Rev. William F. McGeown, 71, a priest at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Feasterville, died Saturday, May 9, of complications following surgery at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

He had gone into the hospital for a thoracic procedure, and planned to return to his parish as soon as he recovered.

Known as "Father Bill" to parishioners and "Uncle Billy" to family members, he graduated from St. Rose of Lima School and St. Thomas More High School. He entered St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in 1961 and was ordained to the priesthood on May 16, 1970.

He was parochial vicar at various parishes, including St. Paul, Norristown, and St. Benedict, Our Mother of Sorrows, and St. Raymond, all in Philadelphia.

Father McGeown also was pastor at St. Francis of Assisi, Germantown; Our Lady of Ransom, Philadelphia; and, for the last eight years, at Assumption.

Part of his responsibility was to help oversee St. Katharine Drexel Regional Catholic School in Holland, Bucks County. The school was created in 2012 from several smaller schools that were closed by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Father McGeown's life was an example of the joy that can come from spreading and living by the Gospel, his family said in a statement.

"Being Christian is not to be a somber experience. It is not meant to only be heads down reading the Bible," the statement said. "Instead, it should be heads up racing forward to share the good news of the Bible with everyone we can share it with. How does this not describe Billy?"

Msgr. Joseph P. McGeown said his younger brother was a playful, avuncular figure whose motto was, live, laugh, and love. While Father McGeown was hospitalized, Msgr. McGeown had filled in for him at Assumption.

"I've constantly heard stories about how much [the parishioners] loved him," Msgr. McGeown said.

The reception of Father McGeown's body is to be at 5 p.m. Thursday, May 14, at Assumption Church, 1900 Meadowbrook Rd., Feasterville. A viewing from 5 to 6:45 p.m. will be followed by a parish Mass at 7 p.m.

On Friday, May 15, there will be another viewing from 9 to 10:45 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. at Assumption Church. The main celebrant will be Archbishop Charles J. Chaput. Interment will be in SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery.

Donations may be made to the Little Sisters of the Poor, 5300 Chester Ave., Philadelphia 19143.

610-313-8102