Msgr. John J. McCann, who retired from St. Mary’s Parish in 2015 after 51 years in the priesthood, died after a brief illness last Wednesday. He was 76.
“He was a beloved man who gave his all. Since my arrival at St. Mary’s, Msgr. McCann was a wonderful support in my transition as pastor,” said Rev. Robert Romeo, who took over as pastor of the parish when McCann retired in 2015. “Although retired, he continued his ministry to the church, the parishioners, and the school community he loved dearly.”
Romeo said he is honored to have worked with him by my side, and blessed because he became my friend.
McCann who was 75 when he retired, joined St. Mary’s as its 11th pastor in parish history in 1998.
At the time of his retirement, he said his departure was based not just by the traditions of his faith but also the clues provided by biology.
Catholic priests are mandated to retire by the age of 75.
“I think the body tells you that [it’s time to retire],” he said in 2015. “If you haven’t gotten there yet, you’ll know. You don’t have the same energy that you used to have.”
McCann was born in Brooklyn on Oct. 6, 1939 to Regina and John McCann.
The eldest of three children, McCann grew up in New Hyde Park and attended Holy Spirit Elementary School and went on to St. Mary’s High School.
He finished his undergraduate and post-graduate studies at St. John’s University and the Immaculate Conception Seminary in Huntington.
McCann was ordained in 1965 and assigned to his first position as associate pastor of Notre Dame Church in New Hyde Park.
He became an associate pastor at Saint Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church in Glen Cove in 1974 and was appointed pastor there a decade later.
In 1991, he was named a domestic prelate by Pope John Paul II.
McCann directed all pastoral activity within the parish and its elementary and high schools, presiding over Manhasset’s Catholic community during major events like the September 11 terrorist attacks and 2012’s Superstorm Sandy.
A wake for McCann was held in the Marian Room of the St. Mary’s Parish last Saturday and Sunday and a funeral Mass was held on Monday at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church.
Among his most noted contributions to St. Mary’s was the renovation of the church, the move of the Parish offices from the Rectory and the opening of the Parish Ministry Center.
He was also integral in the addition of an extension to the Elementary School.
McCann enjoyed spending time with his family, gardening, boating, and swimming. He was also fascinated by trains and loved tending to the roses and other various flowers in his garden.
At the time of his retirement in 2015, he declined to comment on any of his accomplishments at the St. Mary’s.
“I do not like to talk about my goals and achievements. I let other people talk about that. I’m here to preach the gospel and serve the community,” McCann said.
He is survived by his brother James McCann of Wappinger Falls and his wife Lucille, his sister Patricia Hoey of Dagsboro, Del. and her husband Michael, and seven nieces and nephews, and 13 great nieces and nephews.
