Rev. Roger Elliott, C.P., former pastor of St. Ann’s Basilica Parish, Scranton, died on Wednesday evening, March 14th at St. Ann’s Passionist Monastery after a long illness. Fr. Roger was born William, on March 8, 1930 to the late Harry and Catherine Brice in Wilkes Barre, PA. He graduated from St. Mary’s High School and in 1948 entered the Passionist Preparatory Seminary in Dunkirk, NY. He professed his Vows as a Passionist on July 17, 1951 and was ordained to the priesthood on April 25, 1958 by the late Bishop Cuthbert O’Gara, C.P. After an initial assignment in the Passionist mission band Fr. Roger spent many years as a Passionist priest in community administration. He was assistant superior and then Rector of Immaculate Conception Monastery, Jamaica, NY from 1963-1971. He served as Rector of Holy Family Monastery in West Hartford on two occasions, from 1972 to 1974 and 1986 to 1990. He served as Provincial Consultor from 1974 to 1982. He was assistant superior then Rector of St. Ann’s Monastery from 1983 to 1986. Fr. Roger served as Pastor of St. Ann’s Basilica parish from 1996 to 2004. Other assignments where spent in the Passionist preaching ministry in Philadelphia and Boston. He also served as parochial vicar of St. Gabriel’s Monastery parish in Brighton, MA. Fr. Roger has resided at St. Ann’s since 2006.

Fr. Roger is survived by two sisters, Winfred Boyle, Philadelphia, and Mary Hoover, Doylestown, PA, and a brother Harry of Glenmore, PA., and several nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sisters Catherine Elliott and Elizabeth Finn and a brother Thomas.

The Passionists of St. Ann’s would like to thank all those who provided care for Fr. Roger during these last months of his illness, most especially Madeline Burda and Francis and Donna Mahon. The community is most grateful for the care Fr. Roger received in the last weeks of his life from the nurses and staff of the Hospice of the Sacred Heart whose care allowed Fr. Roger to die with dignity and peace.

Fr. Rogers’ body will be received at St. Ann’s Shrine Basilica on Friday, March 16th at 2:00 PM. His body will lie in repose for viewing until 7:30 pm. This will be followed by a Wake service, lead by Very Rev. James Price, C.P., Rector of St. Ann’s. A viewing will also take place on Saturday morning from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. The funeral mass will be at St. Ann’s on Saturday, March 17th 10:30 AM, celebrated by Very. Rev. Robin Ryan, C.P., Vicar Provincial. Burial will follow at St. Ann’s. Funeral arrangements are being coordinated by Thomas J. Hughes Funeral Home, 1240 St. Ann’s Street, Scranton. Any memorial contributions can be made in Fr. Roger’s name to St. Ann’s Shrine Basilica, 1233 St. Ann’s Street, Scranton, PA 18504.