Msgr. Edward Alleyne, 88, former pastor in Atlantic City and Cherry Hill, died Aug. 25.
Since retiring in 2003, he had resided at the Sacred Heart Residence for Priests and Saint Mary’s Nursing Home, both in Cherry Hill.
Bishop George Murry of Youngstown, Ohio, and a native of the Diocese of Camden, credited Msgr. Alleyne with helping him discern his own vocation.
“One of the reasons I am a priest today is Msgr. Alleyne,” the bishop said. “He was a mentor and friend for over 50 years. He shared with me his great love for the priesthood and a wealth of practical wisdom.
“While I will miss his fatherly presence in my life I am confident that he now lives with the Lord whom he loved,” he said.
Father Robert Smith, a retired priest of the diocese who cultivated a friendship with Msgr. Alleyne for almost 30 years, was also lavish in his praise.
“He loved the church and loved the people he served, who in turn loved him. He touched their lives,” Father Smith recalled of his friend, a “good conversationalist with a great sense of humor.”
Msgr. Alleyne was born in Brooklyn on June 14, 1928. He studied at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., before completing his seminary studies at Divine Savior Seminary, Lanham, Md., and being ordained a priest of the Salvatorian Order on June 4, 1960 in Washington.
He remained a Salvatorian until 1967, when he received his first assignment in the Diocese of Camden as parochial vicar at Queen of the Apostles, Pennsville (1967-68). In 1971, he was incardinated into the Diocese of Camden.
Msgr. Alleyne also served as parochial vicar at three Camden parishes over 10 years: Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (1968-73); Saint Bartholomew (1973-75); Saint Anthony of Padua (1975-78).
In 1978, he became parochial vicar at Queen of Heaven in Cherry Hill, and served in this capacity until becoming pastor of Saint Monica, Atlantic City in 1984.
Nine years later, he returned to Queen of Heaven, this time as its pastor, and ministered there until his 2003 retirement.
Msgr. Alleyne also served as chairman of the Priest Personnel Board, and as director for the Office of Black Ministry, and on the Marriage Tribunal, Priest Council and Ecumenical Commission.
A viewing is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 2, from 10-11:15 a.m. in Holy Eucharist Church, Cherry Hill. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:30 a.m. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery.
Contributions in his memory may be made to the Priest Retirement Fund of the Diocese of Camden, 631 Market Street, Camden, NJ 08102.
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