Reverend Joseph Alminde SJ
Memorial Candle Tribute From
Shelly-Dinan Funeral Home
"We are honored to provide this Book of Memories to the family."
View full message >>>

Obituary for Reverend Joseph Alminde SJ

Fr. Joseph Michael Alminde SJ., was born in Philadelphia PA on February 14th, 1931, the son of Frank Alminde and Agnes Haughey. He was baptized there into the holy Catholic faith in the Church of the Gnu on February 22”’, 1931. He graduated from St Joseph’s Preparatory School in 1949, and entered the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) on July 3t, 1949 at St. Isaac Jogues Novitiate in Wernersville PA. Here he made his first ascetical and literary studies from 1949 to 1953.
On completion of his Licentiate in Philosophy (Ph, L.) program in 1956 at Loyóla.
Seminary, Shrub Oak NY, Fr. Alminde was assigned to Philadelphia to teach Latin and
English at his alma mater St. Joseph's Preparatory School from 1956 to 1959. He then
wait to Woodstock College MD to begin theological studies. Here he was ordained to the
Catholic priesthood on June I7, 1962 by Baltimore Archbishop Lawrence J. Shehan. Fr.
Alminde was awarded an S.T.B. degree (Bachelor of Sacred Theology) by Woodstock in
1963, and completed his studies liz spirituality and ascetical theology at Our Lady of
Martyrs Tertianship, Auriesville NY, in 1964. He made final profession in the Society on
February 2”. 1981 at St Joseph’s University, Philadelphia PA.
In September 1964 Fr. Alminde began his priestly ministry at Loyola High School, Towson MD, where he taught English until 1966 when be was called to the Wernersville Novitiate to be assistant to the Master of Novices and minister of the Jesuit Community until 1969 He then began a sixteen year ministry teaching Latin and religion to the students and acting as moderator for several activities at St Joseph’s Prep in, Philadelphia, Fr. Alminde returned to Loyola High School in 1985. for a fIfteen year ministry first for two years as minister for the Jesuit Community and then for the remainder as teacher of Latin and English. A well deserved sabbatical year at the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley CA awaited him in 2000,
Fr, Alminde served as parochial vicar at Old St Joseph’s Church, Willings Alley, Philadelphia from 2001 until 2004 when he was appointed as minister of the Jesuit Community at St. Joseph’s University. He served in this capacity until 2008 when health problems caused by diabetes forced him to reduce his activities. He nevertheless continued his pastoral work in the area and was appointed chaplain and confessor to the sisters at the nearby Monastery of the Visitation On the morning of his eightieth birthday Fr, Alminde suffered a severe pulmonary infection which put him into the intensive care unit of Lankenau Hospital Until God called him me on March 25th, 2011. He is survived by his brother Paul Alminde of Pocono Lake PA, and by his sisters, Catherine MacFarland of Flourtown PA, and Sister Joan Alminde, SSJ, of Philadelphia PA and several nieces.
Rev, clergy, religious relatives and friends are Invited to his Con- celebrated Funeral Mass on Wednesday, April 6 at 7:30 pm in the Church of the Gesu, 18th & Girard Ave., Phija., PA 19121. A viewing will he held on Wed. afternoon from 1 to 4 p.m. in Manresa Hall, 261 City Ave., Merion Station, PA, with a Prayer Service at 3 p.m. and also at the Church of the Gesu (address above) that evening from 6 to 9 p.m. Interment will be made in SS. Peter & Paul Cemetery on Thursday April 7.

Recently Shared Condolences

Recently Shared Stories

Recently Shared Photos