Retired Deacon Paul J. McBlain, age 84, died at Riddle Memorial Hospice on Monday, August 29, 2022.
Deacon McBlain was ordained at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, on June 10, 2001, by His Eminence, Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua. He was assigned to Saint Joseph Parish, Collingdale, where he remained until his retirement on June 1, 2013. In addition, as a secondary assignment, Deacon McBlain was assigned as Associate to the Director of the Office of Permanent Deacons from June 2008, to June 2013. Deacon McBlain served as the President-Elect of the National Diaconate Institute for Continuing Education (NDICE) from 2014 to 2016; and then as President of NDICE from 2016 to 2018.
Deacon McBlain was born on February 15, 1938, and was raised in Yeadon, Pennsylvania. He was the youngest of five children born to John P. McBlain and Mary (nee) McWilliams. Deacon McBlain attended West Catholic High School for Boys, and upon graduation, entered Villanova University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics in 1959. He was employed in the food distribution industry for his entire career, culminating as a manager for Shamrock Trading International, Inc.
Deacon McBlain married his wife Helen on August 17, 1963. In addition to his wife of 59 years, he is survived by seven children: John Paul; Mary Kathleen; Joseph William; Maureen; Erin Marie; Elizabeth Ann; Michael Thomas, 23 Grandchildren; 8 Great-Grandchildren, and a brother, Deacon William Leo McBlain, Diocese of Camden.
Reception of the body, evening prayer and a viewing will be held on Tuesday, September 6, 2022, from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM, at Saint Joseph Church, 500 Woodland Avenue, Collingdale. A second viewing will be held on Wednesday, September 7, 2022, beginning at 9:15 AM, followed by his Funeral Mass at 10:45 AM Saint Joseph Church, 500 Woodland Avenue, Collingdale. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery, located in West Conshohocken. Most Reverend John J. McIntyre will be the principal celebrant. The homilist will be Deacon James T. Owens.
