Joseph McFadden, Bishop of Harrisburg, Dead Suddenly in Philadelphia at 65
By Mark Abrams
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Bishop of the Diocese of Harrisburg died in Philadelphia this morning after falling ill.
Bishop Joseph McFadden, a West Philadelphia native who had been serving as the shepherd of the Harrisburg diocese since August 2010, died at 7:40am this morning after being rushed to a local hospital.
He was 65. He would have celebrated his 66th birthday on May 22nd.
McFadden was a St. Joseph's University graduate and spent time teaching at West Catholic High School before entering the seminary in 1976.
He was ordained a priest for the Philadelphia archdiocese in 1981, and later served as a secretary to Cardinal John Krol.
McFadden served as president of Cardinal O'Hara High School, and was extensively involved in the archdiocese Office of Catholic Education.
He was named an auxiliary bishop in the archdiocese in 2004.
McFadden was tapped by Pope Benedict XVI to serve as the tenth bishop of Harrisburg.
In a statement, Philadelphia archbishop Charles Chaput said he was shocked and saddened to learn of McFadden's passing, as both had been together here in recent days for the spring meeting of Pennsylvania bishops.
