FATHER THOMAS MAGARY

He was born Dec. 16, 1938, in Mingo Junction, a son of Victor and Mary Maryavi Magary. Two of Father Magary’s brothers, Victor and Matthew, are deceased; but a brother, Gary, resides in Canton, Ohio; and a sister, Mary Leah Kovarik, is a resident of St. Louis.

Father Magary began his education at St. Agnes Central School, Mingo Junction, and then at Catholic Central High School, Steubenville, and St. John Vianney Seminary, Bloomingdale. He obtained a bachelor’s degree from The College of Steubenville, now Franciscan University of Steubenville; a sacred theology degree from The Catholic University of American, Washington, D.C.: and a master’s from John Carroll University, Cleveland.

He was ordained to the priesthood May 21, 1966, at Holy Name Cathedral, Steubenville, by Bishop John King Mussio.

Father Magary was first assigned as a professor at St. John Vianney High School Seminary. He also served as a professor and English teacher, head of the English department, choirmaster, religion teacher, moderator of the school newspaper and yearbooks, dean of discipline and studies, vice rector and counselor at St. Joseph Preparatory Seminary, Vienna, West Virginia.

After serving the seminaries, Father Magary was assigned as pastor of St. Mary Parish, Martins Ferry in 1983. While ministering in Martins Ferry, he also served as pastoral administrator of the parish’s St. Mary Central School.

For the diocese, Father Magary has served on the liturgical commission and diocesan Presbyteral Council.

Father Magary has also served as the chaplain of the Knights of Columbus Mother of God Council 1421, the Commodore Jack Barry Assembly Fourth-Degree Knights of Columbus and the St. Mary’s Infant of Prague Society, all in Martins Ferry, and president of the Martins Ferry Ministerial Association.

He retired from active ministry in 2010 and assisted parishes throughout the diocese after retirement.

Visitation will be held Thursday from 3-6 pm at the Mosti Funeral Home, Sunset Chapel, 4435 Sunset Blvd., Steubenville. Additional visitation will be held Friday at Holy Family Catholic Church from 10 am until time of Mass at 11 am, Bishop Emeritus Paul J. Bradley, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, the former apostolic administrator of Steubenville, will celebrate the Mass. Entombment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

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