With sadness, we announce that our brother, Paulist Fr. Wilfred Anthony Brimley, Jr., has entered eternal life.

Fr. Brimley died from natural causes on Tuesday, May 5, 2020, in his room at Marion Manor Residence in South Boston. It does not appear that his death was related to the coronavirus.

He was 92. He had been part of the Paulist community for 65 years and a priest for 58 years.

He was born in New Bedford, MA, on July 19, 1927, a son of Wilfred A. Brimley, Sr., and Elizabeth Kenney Brimley.

He served in the Army Air Force from 1945 to 1947; earned a bachelor’s degree from Harvard University; and worked in the C.I.A. from 1951 to 1954.

On September 6, 1955, he entered the Paulist novitiate.

He made his first promise on September 8, 1956, and his final promise on September 8, 1959. He was ordained a deacon in Autumn, 1961.

He was ordained a priest on May 11, 1962.

During his long priesthood, Fr. Brimley served at Good Shepherd Church in New York, NY; St. Lawrence Church in Minneapolis, MN; Old St. Mary’s in Chicago; St. Andrew Church in Clemson, SC; St. Nicholas Church in North Pole, AK; Immaculate Conception Church in Knoxville, TN; and the Paulist Center in Boston.

“He was that kind, gentle, yet firm pastor who was beloved in Chicago, Clemson, and Knoxville to name a few places,” said Paulist Fr. Eric Andrews, president of the Paulist Fathers. 

Fr. Brimley was preceded in death by his brother, John, and sister, Betty.

He is survived by his brother Paulists; a niece, Beth Tunno; a great-niece and a great-nephew.

Due to the coronavirus restrictions, Fr. Brimley will be buried on May 12 during a private graveside service. A memorial Mass will be celebrated when possible.