Fr. Charles William Bisgrove, 58, Superior of Sacred Heart Monastery

He was born July 3, 1952 in Lorain, Ohio to his parents Joann Walsh Bisgrove and Charles Bisgrove. Fr. Charles was raised in Lorain, Ohio where he attended Lorain Catholic High School and Sacred Heart High School, Donaldson, Indiana, where he graduated in 1971.

Fr. Charles took his first profession with the U.S. Province of the Sacred Heart Order on August 15, 1972. He graduated with a Master’s Degree of Theology from Loyola University, Chicago, Illinois.

He was ordained into the priesthood on May 25, 1990 in the church of St. John the Baptist, Lorain, Ohio by the Most Reverend Bishop Philip Straling of the San Bernardino Diocese of California. Fr. Charles also served as Master of Ceremonies for Bishop Straling, and was Secretary of the Sacred Heart Order and Provincial Council.

Most recently, he was acting Superior of Sacred Heart Monastery and Chaplain of the Police and Fire Departments in Franklin, Wisconsin. Fr. Charles served his time in the Order as Pastor of St. Martin of Tours Parish. He was a Professor of Theology in the U.S., and also in Elura, India, Where he was known as Charlie Chaplain.

Fr. Charles continued his service to first responders and victims when he was certified as a chaplain with the National Transportation and Safety Board in 2001. This certification was put to use very quickly when he was called to duty at Ground Zero in New York City following the September 11, 2001 attacks. One of his tasks there was to accompany families as they visited the site where they lost their loved ones.

While visiting family in Lorain, Fr. Charles would help with weekend masses at St. John, Nativity B.V.M., Sacred Heart, and the Church of St. Peter, and spent time as the Chaplain with the Lorain Fire Department.

Fr. Charles is survived by his sister Mrs. Peggy Bisgrove Kernohan, two brothers Thomas (Cynthia) and Michael (Joann), and his two beloved nieces Erin and Ashley Bisgrove. He is preceded in death by his parents.

Fr. Charles was dearly loved by all whom he met. He was known to be a fiery and passionate preacher of the Word of God.

His family invites friends to a Memorial Mass 11:00 A. M., Saturday, May 14, 2011 in Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish at Saint John Church, 2143 Homewood Drive, (Homewood Drive and Route 57) Lorain, Ohio 44055. Principle celebrant will be The Most Reverend A. J. Quinn Auxiliary Bishop Diocese of Cleveland. Concelebrants include Rev. Robert Glepko, Homilist, pastor of Nativity B. V. M., Lorain, Rev. James R. Ols, pastor of Saint Vincent DePaul, Elyria Township, Rev. Craig Hovanic, pastor of Church of Saint Peter, Lorain and Rev. John C. Retar, pastor of Saint Frances Cabrini Parish.

Contributions to the Retirement Fund of the Priests of the Sacred Heart are suggested. Please send to Fr. Charles Bisgrove Memorial, c/o Provincialate Offices, PO Box 289, Hales Corners, WI 53130-0289.

Local arrangements are by Richard J. Reidy Funeral Home, 1783 East 31st Street, South Lorain (440) 277-8164.