OBITUARY: Fr. Charles R. Kinsella, 84

Below is an obituary from Driscoll Funeral Home & Cremation Service:

METHUEN, MA — Fr. Charles Robert Kinsella was born at the Burke Hospital in Lawrence, MA on August 25, 1940 to the late Norbert and Emily (Mixon) Kinsella. He was raised in his multi-family home on Park Street, Lawrence above Kinsella’s Funeral Home. Father Charles graduated from the Holy Trinity School and attended Central Catholic High School for two years. At age 15, he entered the minor seminary for the Order of Saint Augustine in the Villanova Province. Father Charles graduated with distinction from Catholic University with his degree in musical performance. As a student in college, he was recognized with the prestigious oratory award. As well, Father Charles was the youngest conductor of the Georgetown University Orchestra while completing his program at Augustinian College. Upon successful completion of his religious studies in Washington D.C., he was ordained on October 30,1965 at St. Mary’s Church in Lawrence, MA, the same parish he was baptized in twenty-five years earlier.

Father Charles Kinsella’s first assignment was teaching French and Religion at the high school level. In light of his musical talent, Father Charles established the school band and served as the first bandmaster in his assignment. In addition to his responsibilities at the high school, Father Charles was the Director of the Religious Brothers program at Merrimack College and celebrated masses in local parishes. As a young priest, he was recognized for his brilliance, energy, leadership ability and eagerness to serve the Lord’s people.

In 1971, as an only child with an ailing dad, Father Charles made the difficult decision to become incardinated in the Archdiocese of Boston to remain closer to home. He served in both St. Thomas of Villanova Parish in Wilmington, MA and St. Theresa’s Parish in North Reading, MA. As well, Father supported several other parishes in need of pastoral care.

In 1982, he was assigned as Chaplain at the former Cushing Hospital in Framingham, MA. As an assignment that Father was uncertain of at first, it became such a joyful ministry for nearly a decade. Each year, he coordinated and led over 900 events that engaged the Cushing community. Father Charles’ extraordinary commitment to his patients earned him the acknowledgement as “Man of the Year” twice by the largest metro west newspaper. After the hospital closed and the residents were placed in various facilities, Father Charles traveled near and far to remain close with his beloved patients.

In the 1990s, Father continued his ministry by serving as chaplain at the former Walter E. Fernald State School in Waltham, MA and chaplain for the Presentation of Mary Sisters in Methuen, MA. He found great happiness in serving those in need. Later that decade, as his physical health began to decline, he committed to several hours of prayer daily. Since the age of 12, aside from days of illness, Father Charles celebrated and/or attended mass every day. He was driven by his love for the Lord above all else. Father Charles Kinsella will be missed by all of whom were blessed to have known him.

Father Kinsella is survived by his loving cousin, Timothy Kinsella and his wife, Evelynne and many relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 5, in St. Monica Parish, 212 Lawrence Street, Methuen from 10:00 to 11:00 AM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow in Elmwood Cemetery, Methuen. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Clergy Trust at 66 Brooks Drive, Braintree, MA 02184. Arrangements by Driscoll Funeral Home, Haverhill. For guestbook, visit www.driscollcares.com.