Joseph Robert Crowley

Biography

Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Joseph Crowley worked for five years at People's Trust and Savings Company in Fort Wayne. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II serving in both the North African and European campaigns. He attained the rank of captain. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend by Bishop John F. Noll on May 1, 1953. As a priest he served at St. Peter's Church in Fort Wayne, St. Francis Xavier Church in Pierceton, St. Patrick's Church in Lagro, St. Joseph's Church in Fort Wayne and St. Matthew's Cathedral in South Bend. He also served on the diocesan board of directors, as assistant chancellor, consultor, director of religious instruction and vicar general among other responsibilities. In addition Crowley served as the editor of Our Sunday Visitor in Huntington, Indiana, moderator of the United States Bishops' Press Panel during the final session of the Second Vatican Council, and chairman of the U.S. Catholic Conference's Committee on Communication. On June 16, 1971 Pope Paul VI appointed him as the Titular Bishop of Maraguia and Auxiliary Bishop of Fort Wayne-South Bend. He was ordained a bishop by Archbishop George Biskup of Indianapolis on August 24, 1971. The principal co-consecrators were Bishops Leo Pursley of Fort Wayne-South Bend and Andrew Grutka of Gary. He continued to serve as auxiliary bishop and rector of St. Matthew's Cathedral until his resignation was accepted by Pope John Paul II on May 8, 1990. He died on February 4, 2003 at the age of 88.