John Peter McNulty

Monsignor John McNulty, a prominent cleric of the Roman Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg for many years, died Friday, November 4, 2005. A native of Andover, MA, Msgr. McNulty came to St. Petersburg when he was 6 years old. He graduated from St. Paul?s High School in 1935, then went to St. Charles College, Catonsville, MD and St. Mary?s Seminary in Baltimore. On May 15, 1943, he was ordained in his home church, St. Paul?s Catholic Church in St. Petersburg, and served as Secretary to Archbishop Joseph P. Hurley of St. Augustine until 1960. As secretary to the Archbishop, he purchased land for the future parishes, hospitals, and cemeteries in South Florida, including Mercy Hospital, Holy Cross Hospital, and Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Cemetery. In 1950, he was awarded the Benemerenti Medal by Pope Pious XII and was elevated to Monsignor in 1953. Monsignor McNulty served as a former Vicar General of the Diocese of St. Augustine; edited the Florida Catholic; hosted the Respect Life radio program; and was noted for his efforts on behalf of the elderly and the needy. Monsignor McNulty also led a volunteer-driven AIDS education program in this five county diocese. His priesthood was served in Florida churches, including St. Mary?s later known as St. Mary Our Lady of Grace Church of St. Petersburg, FL; St. Patrick?s Church, Largo, FL, where he was the first Pastor; St. Edward?s Church of Palm Beach, FL; and he was the founding Pastor of Holy Name of Jesus Parish, West Palm Beach. He is survived by his brother, Joseph wife, Patricia McNulty; his sister, and nieces and nephews. Quattlebaum Funeral Home and Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes both in charge of arrangements.