Deacon Ross W. Beighley, 73

Deacon Ross W. Beighley, 73, passed away on Monday November 12, 2012 at home with his wife Louise (Farrell) by his side. Born in Sentinel Butte, North Dakota he was the son of the late Myron C. and Helen (Brennan) Beighley.

Deacon Beighley moved to Philadelphia with his family when he was a child. He graduated from North Catholic High School and attended Villanova University. A carpenter by trade for most of his life, he enjoyed teaching others the skills he naturally possessed.

He was ordained a Permanent Deacon in the Diocese of Harrisburg in 1983. He served at St. Catherine of Sienna Church in Quarryville for many years with Rev. Thomas Gralinski, his mentor and friend. He eventually transferred to St Philip the Apostle Church in Millersville where he served until the time of his death. While serving at both churches he prepared many couples for marriage and presided at many weddings and baptisms. Ross loved the connection he shared with his fellow parishioners at St Phillips. He especially enjoyed sharing the Gospel message through personal stories.

Ross received a certificate in Advanced Studies in Spiritual Care from Neumann College and was certified as a Chaplain through the National Association of Catholic Chaplains. He worked as a chaplain for fifteen years at the former St Joseph’s Hospital helping to form the Life Enhancement Center before his retirement.

He and his wife Louise were very active with Marriage Encounter. Their strong belief in the Sacrament of Marriage inspired them to begin and lead the Retrouville program in the Diocese of Harrisburg. Many will miss his spiritual leadership and his pastoral compassion.

Ross volunteered for the former Hospice of Lancaster County. He was a Charter member and past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council #9164 and a 4^th Degree Knight with the Santa Maria Assembly.

Surviving in addition to his beloved wife Louise, with whom he celebrated 52 years of marriage are his children: Carolanne, wife of David Hauck, Columbia, Karen wife of John Roehm, Lancaster, and Helen, wife of Frank Bologa, Hendersonville, TN. Two brothers also survive: Miles Lewis, Lansdale, and Arthur Beighley, AZ. He leaves behind 11 grandchildren who affectionately called him "Pop". He was preceded in death by a sister Teresa Doyle, and brothers Frances Lewis and Myron Beighley.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, November 16, 2012 at 11AM at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church, 2111 Millersville Pike Lancaster, PA 17603 with The Rev. Mark Weiss as Celebrant. Viewings will be held on Thursday at the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory 414 E. King St. Lancaster, PA from 6-9PM and again on Friday from 10-11AM at the church. A Christian Prayer Service will be held Thursday during the viewing at 8PM by Deacon Joseph Anders. Final commendation and farewell will in St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in Ross’ memory may be made to Hospice & Community Care 685 Good Drive, Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604 in appreciation for the kind, loving, and compassionate care Ross received by the many care takers who attended to him at the end of his life. To send the family online condolences, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory 717-393-9661