NORTH SMITHFIELD – Reverend Joseph P. Hynes, 85, pastor emeritus of St. Teresa of the Child Jesus Church in Pawtucket, died Oct. 7.
Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Thomas and Mary (Lyons) Hynes, and attended St. Mary School, LaSalle Academy in Providence, and the School of Philip Neri in Boston.
In preparation for the priesthood, he studied at Providence College and at St. Mary Seminary, Baltimore, Md. He was ordained a priest on June 4, 1955, at the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul, Providence by Bishop Russell J. McVinney.
Father Hynes was assistant pastor at St. Philip Church in Greenville (1955-1969); Holy Name Church, Providence (1969-1972); administrator pro tempore at St. Joseph Church, Newport (1972-73). In May 1973, he was appointed pastor of St. Teresa Church, Providence and in December 1980, he was transferred to St. Teresa Church, Pawtucket where he served until June 2000 when he retired as pastor emeritus.
In addition to his parochial duties, Father Hynes served also as a member of the Ecumenical Commission (1965); became a Diocesan Consultor (1966); was chaplain of St. Pius X Council of the Knights of Columbus (1957-67); director of Priests Eucharistic League (1967-2000); and dean of Providence Deanery No. 2 for two terms (1976-1979). Father Hynes was a Navy veteran.
After his retirement, he lived in Coventry and assisted at various parishes. He later moved to St. Antoine Residence, North Smithfield.
Father Hynes is survived by a brother, Rev. James P. Hynes and several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late John, Thomas and Edward Hynes and Sister Mary Hynes, S.H.S.
A concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial was offered for the repose of his soul on Oct. 13 at St. Teresa of the Child Jesus Church, Pawtucket, with Bishop Louis E. Gelineau as the main celebrant and Bishops Ernest B. Boland O.P., Francis X. Roque and other priests concelebrating. Father Joseph R. Paquette, pastor of St. Teresa Parish, served as homilist.
Burial was in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston.
