Fr. George P. Mulvaney, CSV, was stricken with a fatal heart attack Aug. 30, 1929 at St. Edward’s Rectory in Chicago. Minutes before he passed, Fr. John P. O’Mahoney, CSV, provincial of the Viatorian Community, absolved and anointed him. His untimely death came at the age of 44.
Fr. Mulvaney was born March 10, 1885 in Oconto, WI. He attended St. Joseph’s School and after graduating from high school there, he entered the St. Viator Novitiate in Chicago. He professed his first vows on July 2, 1904 and final vows on Oct. 18, 1909.
He distinguished himself as both a student and teacher at St. Viator College in Bourbonnais, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1907, maxima cum laude. Later he received his Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees.
During his theological studies at St. Viator Seminary, his health was impaired and he was forced to seek a more congenial climate. He completed his studies for the priesthood with the Oblate Fathers at St. Anthony’s Apostolic School in San Antonio, TX.
On Oct. 28, 1909, he was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Joseph J. Fox of Green Bay, WI, at St. Joseph’s Church, his home parish.
At different times he taught at St. Viator College and also held the offices of Dean of Studies and Vice-President. He also served as Vice-President of Columbus College in Chamberlain, South Dakota.
For 14 years Fr. Mulvaney dedicated himself to teaching at the Incarnate Word College of San Antonio, TX and spent his summer months working with his confreres in Chicago until his death.
The funeral services were held at St. Edward’s Church on Sept. 4. The Rev. James F. Ryan, CSV, was the celebrant and the Rev. William J. Bergin, CSV, preached the sermon.
He was laid to rest on Sept. 5 in his family plot at St. Josephs’ Cemetery in Oconto. The Rev. Francis X. Hazen, CSV, celebrated the Mass and the Rev. John W.R. Maguire, CSV, President of St. Viator College, preached.
The churches in both places were filled with friends, both lay and clerical, who came to honor one whose noble life of unselfish service endeared him to all who knew him.
May he rest in peace.
Taken from an obituary in the 1929 Annuaire – a publication of the Viatorian General Direction, pp. 244-250