February 12, 2013 — To begin, can we all agree that the Town of Hopkinton, its DPW and private contractors, did an outstanding job regarding the Blizzard of 2013? Kudos to all of them for getting it all together like clockwork.
        Thank you to Governor Deval Patrick for calling the travel ban when he did. What a wise move to get the cars off of the road before the worst of the blizzard, and keep them off until most of the roads were cleared. The Blizzard of 1978 was a good teacher. Photos of hundreds of vehicles stranded on Route 9 and elsewhere reminded everyone of what poor planning looks like. I'd give the Governor First Prize for a job well done.

         A huge shout out to the HopNews readers who sent in some of the most creative photos we've ever received from readers, as well as photos of some great creations.

         Thanks to the over 500 readers who visited the HopCam webcam that points out of the office plate glass window and onto the street and sidewalk (Top right of page). They were interested in seeing traffic and snowfall and snow removal.

        The Blizzard of 2013 kept most people indoors, including this writer, who saw more television than he usually does. And so it might be good to note that pigs do not fly coach, and boxes do not talk. I do not believe in those things and do not find them remotely funny, especially when HopNews has a great sponsor in Phipps Insurance. They are an excellent provider of insurance, proficient in every aspect and geared to individual and custom service.

        If you have a thought to share, letters to the Editor are welcome. Editor@HopNews.com

        
See Jill Dwyer's awesome Nemo by clicking on the left thumbnail. Then choose to see Kristen Usher's twin two year old girls, Annabel (left) and Laurel (right) enjoying their snow thrones. The third from left is a couple of feathery friends of Bob Richards. The fourth is the expansion of the Zettek Igloo that we got a photo of before the storm. We believe young Matthew was a big help to his Dad.

 

Rev. James F. Degnan, 83

Boston, MA- Rev. James F. Degnan, 83, passed away suddenly, Sunday, February 10th, at Massachusetts General Hospital with his family by his side. He recently celebrated his 58th anniversary of ordination on February 2, 2013.

Born in Lawrence on September 12, 1929, Fr. Jim was one of three children of the late James T. and Anna (Larose) Degnan. He was raised as a member of St. Patrick Parish, and attended St. Patrick Grammar School. He graduated as a honor roll student from Central Catholic High School with the class of 1947.

Fr. Degnan studied for the priesthood at St. John’s Seminary and was ordained by Archbishop Richard Cushing at Holy Cross Cathedral on Feb. 2, 1955. Between 1955 and 1971 he served as an assistant in three parishes: St. Jerome, Weymouth; St. James, Wellesley, and returned to the place of his ordination, Holy Cross Cathedral as an assistant there from 1963-1971.

He received a fellowship for study at the University of Pittsburgh and on his return to the archdiocese he was named an assistant to Fr. John Boles, his classmate, while serving as a part-time assistant at Sacred Hearts Parish, Malden. He returned again to the Cathedral parish in 1973. He served as principal of the high school from 1973 to 1977 and then as its director of development from 1977 to 1978, while also living at the parish as a technical assistant.

In 1978 he was named associate pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Jamaica Plain, and on Dec. 12, 1980 Cardinal Medeiros named him pastor of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Hopkinton.

Fr. Degnan retired as pastor from St. John the Evangelist Parish in Hopkinton on June 12, 2006 after 27 years of dedicated service. Though he was granted senior priest/retirement status and went on to reside at Regina Cleri in Boston, he continued to minister to the people of St. Patrick Church in Lawrence until his sudden death.

While in Hopkinton, Cardinal Law appointed him vicar of the Natick vicariate of the archdiocese in 1988 and in 1994 he had a sabbatical/priestly renewal program at the Pontifical North American College in Rome.

Beyond his devotion to his ministry, Fr. Jim had a love for music and a talent for singing songs such as How Great Thou Art, Ave Maria and O’ Danny Boy among other favorites. He also enjoyed playing golf, and traveling, including several trips to Ireland. He often performed in minstrel shows in Lawrence and Hopkinton with parishioners. Fr. Jim also loved and cherished his time in Hopkinton and his final years in Lawrence and always had a special place in his heart for all the children.

He is survived by his nephews Leonard J. Degnan Jr. and his wife Carla M. of North Andover, James T. Degnan of Hampstead, NH, nieces Judith M. Marte and her husband Hipolito of Pembroke Pines, FL, Nancy E. Bonugli and her husband Jay of Tewksbury and Kathleen M. Degnan of Del Ray Beach, FL. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Margaret A. Degnan-Reid of Andover as well as many grandnieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Leonard J. Degnan Sr. and sister Jacqueline D. Lawlor.

ARRANGEMENTS: Friends, Family and Parishioners are invited to pay their respects on THURSDAY, February 14th from 2-4 p.m. at the Regina Cleri Residence, 60 William Cardinal O’Connell Way, Boston, FRIDAY, February 15th from 3-7 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church, 20 Church Street, Hopkinton, and SATURDAY, February 16th from 9-10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick Church, 118 South Broadway, Lawrence. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated SATURDAY directly following at 11 a.m. in St. Patrick Church. Burial will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in North Andover. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to The Regina Cleri Residence, 60 William Cardinal O’Connell Way, Boston, MA 02114, or to St. Patrick Church c/o Fr. Paul O’Brein , 118 South Broadway, Lawrence, MA 01843. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of the DRACUT FUNERAL HOME. To leave an online condolence, story, or message please visit www.dracutfuneralhome.com