Fr. William Waldron, who was incardinated into the Diocese of Phoenix in 1970 and served at eight Valley parishes before retiring from St. Elizabeth Seton in Sun City, died Nov. 5. He was 88.
He was in a car accident while visiting the sick the week of his death and was hospitalized, but was expected to recover. His condition worsened and he was called home to the Lord.
Fr. David Sanfilippo, vicar for priests in the Diocese of Phoenix, called Fr. Waldron “a kind, gentle, and thoughtful servant of the Lord.”
Fr. Waldron was born Jan. 16, 1926 in Claremorris, Co. Mayo, Ireland. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 18, 1950 in All Hollows College, Dublin Ireland for the Diocese of Tucson and served at St. James Parish in Coolidge and St. Anthony Parish in Casa Grande.
He was incardinated into the Diocese of Phoenix in September of 1970. Fr. Waldron went on to serve at the following Valley parishes:
- St. Mary’s in Chandler
- Christ the King in Mesa
- St. Matthew in Phoenix
- St. Louis the King in Glendale
- Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Scottsdale
- Ss. Joachim & Anne in Sun City
- St. Clement of Rome in Sun City
- St. Elizabeth Seton in Sun City
He retired from St. Elizabeth Seton in July 2000. Fr. Waldron continued to attend priest events throughout his retirement years and faithfully served the people of God by offering the sacraments and visiting the sick even up to the week of his death.
Fr. Waldron’s visitation and vigil were held Nov. 14 and a funeral Mass Nov. 15. Both were held at Ss. Joachim & Anne Parish in Sun City.
