Obituary of Msgr. Robert B. Davern

Retired Msgr. Robert B. Davern died peacefully on Monday, March 14, 2016 after a brief illness. Msgr. Davern was born in Syracuse, NY on August 23, 1927. He went to St. Patrick's School followed by St. Andrew's and St. Bernard's Seminary in Rochester. He was ordained a priest on May 19, 1951 and then attended Catholic University in Washington, DC for his master's degree. Msgr. Davern loved helping people which was reflected in his assignments reflected that. He was called to serve and he did so faithfully. He showed his love for the Lord at Immaculate Conception in Fayetteville, Our Lady of Lourdes in Syracuse, many years at Catholic Charities in both Binghamton and Syracuse and in fact, spent two years starting Catholic Charities in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He helped write the first by-laws in creating Head Start and Model Cities, providing housing and better living conditions for minorities. He also created the Hawley Neighborhood Development program. He served as Diocesan Director of Development and played an important role in the First Annual Hope Appeal. He served as Pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Syracuse, temporary administrator at St. Patrick's in Binghamton, and at St. John the Evangelist in Syracuse. He was also Chaplin of Jamesville Correctional Facility, Loretto and VanDuyn nursing homes. His last assignment was temporary administrator at St. James in Syracuse. Msgr. Davern led a fascinating life, and had an ability to draw people to him whereever he went. He was not only a top student but also a star athlete. He was an Irishmen through and through, having grown up in St. Patrick's parish on Syracuse's Tipperary Hill, home of the nation's famous green over red traffic light. His love for his community and faith was shown by his loyalty and dedication to his vocation throughout these past 65 years. Msgr. Davern was predeceased by his parents, the late Robert B. Davern and Helen Davern, as well as his sister, Marilyn Moore. He is survived by his sister, Kathryn Shea and brother-in-law, Jack Shea, many nieces and nephews who adore him. We love you Uncle Bob, until we meet again, "Fairways and Greens." A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, March 19,, 2016 at 11am at St. Patrick's Church, 216 N. Lowell Ave. with Bishop Robert Cunningham officiating. Calling hours will be held Friday at the church from 4 to 7pm. A vigil will be held at 7:15pm at St. Patrick's Church, Syracuse. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, DeWitt, NY. Contributions may donations in Msgr. Robert's memory may be made to a charity of your choice.