PORTLAND – Father Joseph Edward Whitlock, 75, died Wednesday, Feb. 9, at Mercy Hospital, Portland.

A priest for nearly 50 years, he was born in Portland on April 28, 1929, a son of John H. and May (Gormley) Whitlock. He was beloved by all who crossed his path, from the parishioners whose churches flourished under his leadership, to his brothers in the priesthood, and all his friends and family. Even through hard times and personal illness, he remained true to his calling.

He graduated from Cheverus High School in 1947, and having already felt the calling to the priesthood, went directly to St. Paul’s University in Ottawa, Canada for classical studies. After only a year and a half there, he wrote to the Bishop of Portland, the Most Rev. Daniel J. Feeney, and informed him of his intention not to wait any longer and enter the seminary the following fall.

He was ordained a priest on June 4, 1955, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception by Bishop Feeney. Immediately following his ordination, he served as an Associate Pastor at St. Dominic’s Church in his native Portland. In September of 1955, he transferred to St. Athanasius in Rumford, as an Associate Pastor, and stayed there for the next 11 years. In 1966, he returned to St. Dominic’s in Portland, and was then assigned to St. Rose of Lima in Chisolm, again as an Associate Pastor. He enjoyed his years there very much, especially working with the people and the Sisters of St. Joseph.

In 1970, he became Pastor of St. Francis Xavier in Brownville Junction, and in 1974, of St. Theresa parish in Brewer. In 1977, he again returned to Portland as a Rector at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Two years later, in 1979, he became the Pastor at St. John the Evangelist Church in South Portland, remaining there for nearly 10 years. His final assignment was as Pastor of St. Joseph’s Church in Bridgton, and following that, he retired, on July 1, 1999. Bishop O’Leary applauded his “sense of Church and spirit of priestly cooperation,” in the way that he accepted all the assignments that were given to him.

He will be greatly missed by all those who loved and knew him, and all of those who benefited from his ministry. He is survived by three sisters, Gertrude Harrington of Portland, Barbara Guay of York, and Grace Muench of Highland Heights, Ky.; and many nieces, nephews, and loving friends.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by three sisters; and five brothers.

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