Beloved Roscommon priest 'left an indelible mark on his parish and wider community'

The funeral of a much loved Roscommon priest will take place later this week in the United States.

Fr Séamus Glynn, originally from Lisacul, Roscommon, passed away peacefully on July 14th, 2025. He is described as a devoted priest whose life’s work left an indelible mark on his parish and wider community. He is survived by his sisters, his nieces and nephews as well as the parish community he so faithfully served for decades. His death was announced on RIP.ie where a moving tribute to his life's many achievements was detailed.

Fr Séamus was born in Lisacul on August 18, 1933, to Seamus and Mary Jo Glynn. He was the fifth of seven children. After completing his secondary school education in St. Nathy’s College, Ballaghadereen, County Roscommon, he joined the seminary at St. Peter’s College, Wexford where he was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles on June 8, 1958.

Following his initial assignment, he was appointed by Bishop William R. Johnson as pastor to establish the new parish, San Antonio de Padua Church, in the newly formed Diocese of Orange in California. There he became a guiding force in the life of the parish.

Recognizing the spiritual, educational, and social needs of his growing congregation, he set about transforming a vacant piece of land into a vibrant hub of faith and community life. For over 40 years he worked tirelessly with remarkable dedication and leadership to see the construction of a parish church, a rectory, a community hall, and school. Each a testament to his unwavering belief in the importance of faith, education, and community.

He brought together parishioners, local leaders, and interest groups, fostering a deep spirit of collaboration and inclusivity. Through thoughtful dialogue and shared purpose, what began as a modest vision soon became a flourishing parish community, a center of growth and support for over 4000 families today.

Fr. Séamus never forgot his Irish roots. He and his brother, Fr. Tom Glynn, a fellow priest in Los Angeles, travelled regularly to Ireland to reconnect with his sisters, Sr. Nuala and Sr. Cora, Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, his brother Fr. Michaél, his sister Maureen, his brother-in-law Ignatius, nieces, nephews and cousins. His family looked forward to these visits as did he. The reconnection with family and friends was a source of inspiration and energy for the work that he embraced and enjoyed in the US.

He leaves behind a legacy of faith, leadership and service to others. He was a visionary, a builder not just in the physical sense, but a builder of communities. His life’s work touched countless lives. He walked alongside his parishioners through every season of change and through his legacy will continue to guide and inspire.

Fr. Séamus was known for his gentle manner, his sense of humour, a deep empathy and unwavering faith. He was a true server of all his people. He was a trusted confidant, a tireless advocate for the vulnerable and a true servant of God. He was a light to many. His presence brought comfort and strength, we are grateful for the many wonderful memories that he gave us. He will be profoundly missed.

Funeral arrangements will be held 6 pmFriday August 29th and 10:30 am Saturday August 30th at San Antonio de Padua del Canon, Anaheim Hills with interment to follow at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery, Orange.

Condolences can be left here on RIP.ie, where links to view the funeral mass can also found.