East Longmeadow: Rev. Hugh Francis Crean, 78, died Tuesday, October 6, 2015. He was born in Westfield on March 26, 1937 to the late Hugh and Nora (Brosnan) Crean. He attended St. Mary’s Elementary and High School in Westfield. He received his BA at Holy Cross College where he served as President of his Senior Class. He attended St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore from 1958 -1962 and was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Springfield in 1962. Fr. Crean received his Doctorate (Ph.D& S.T.D) from the University of Louvain in Belgium. Father was assigned to St. Michael Parish in East Longmeadow, MA from 1962-1969. He taught Theology at Elms College from 1973-1979 and beginning in 1973 preached over 100 priest retreats throughout the United States and Canada. He served as Diocesan Director of Continuing Education for Priests from 1974-1980.
Fr. Crean was Co-Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Springfield from 1979-1989 and from 1989 -1992 served as Diocesan Vicar for priests and Director of Clergy Personnel for the Diocese of Springfield. Fr. Crean was Pastor of Holy Name Parish in Springfield, MA from 1993-1999 and Pastor of Our Lady of Blessed Sacrament Church in Westfield from 1999-2004. In retirement Fr. Crean served as Chaplain at Providence Place Retirement Community from 2004-2010. In addition to his pastoral assignments Fr. Crean served on many diocesan boards and committees and among his many accomplishments received an Honorary Degree from Elms College. He was pre-deceased by his beloved brothers John and William. Fr. Crean leaves his sister Sheila Crean-Rheault, his sisters-in-law, Joan Pavel and her husband Herb and Clare “Pat” Crean. He also leaves his cousins Joseph Daly and Jack Daly as well as several cherished nieces, newphews and grand- nieces and grand- nephews as well as many faithful friends, parishioners and his brother priests of the Diocese of Springfield. A wake will be held on Friday, October 9th from 2-5 p.m. in St. Mary; Church in Westfield. A Vigil Prayer Service will be held at 5 p.m. in the Church. The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held in St. Mary Church on Saturday, October 10th at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery in Westfield. In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Fr. Crean may be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph, 577 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104. Firtion-Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad Street, Westfield is in charge of arrangements. Firtionadams.com.
