By MARY STADNYK
Associate Editor
Updated Sept. 18, 2024
The pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish told those gathered for the funeral Mass of Franciscan Father John C. Frambes that no one was to shed any tears.
About 600 people filled the Long Beach Island parish church Sept. 16 for Father Frambes’ Mass of Christian Burial, at which Franciscan Father Francis J. DiSpigno said, “We’re going to celebrate today, we’re going to celebrate John’s life and the victory that he won because of Christ.”
“John lived his life for this moment,” he added.
Father DiSpigno was principal celebrant and homilist of the Mass; Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., presided and led the Final Commendation.
Father Frambes, who served as parochial vicar of St. Francis of Assisi Parish since 2014, died unexpectedly the morning of Sept. 10 at age 77, doing what he loved to do every morning: making the short walk from the church to the beach, where he would watch the sunrise.
Compassionate Shepherd
Bishop O’Connell extended his condolences to the congregation, which included Father Frambes’ brother, William, and other family members; members of his religious community, the Franciscan priests and brothers from Our Lady of Guadalupe Province; religious sisters from the Monastery of St. Clare, Bordentown; parish staff; community members and parishioners.
The Bishop then told the Franciscans that, as a religious order priest himself, he “understands how deeply the loss of a confrere is felt by his brothers in the community.”
Bishop O’Connell recalled encountering Father Frambes over the years at events such as Chrism Masses, days of recollection for priests and when the Bishop would preside over Confirmation ceremonies at the parish, and said he came to regard Father Frambes as a “gentle soul, a good friar.”
“He was a thoughtful man. He cared very deeply about people … that was very evident — especially those who suffered and those who were troubled,” the Bishop said. “Father John spoke so often with great love about this parish and those who meant so much to him.
“As we gather today in prayer, we recall that it was in the waters of Baptism that Father John first found Christ,” Bishop O’Connell said. “In the waters of LBI last Tuesday, Christ found him and brought him home.
“May our good friar now rest in peace,” said Bishop O’Connell.
About Father John
Father Frambes was born in Atlantic City in July 1947. He joined the Franciscans of the Holy Name Province in 1973 and was ordained a priest Dec. 8, 1979.
Much of Father Frambes’ ministry was spent in various roles at Siena College, Loudonville, N.Y. He served as director of the Career Resource Center and vicar of the friar community, campus minister, vice president of student affairs, and director of campus ministry.
Franciscan Father Francis DiSpigno, right, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Church, extends the Sign of Peace to Bishop O’Connell and Father Jean Felicien, the Bishop’s secretary and master of ceremonies. Mary Stadnyk photo
From 1984 to 1987, Father Frambes served as director of formation and guardian of the friar community in Winstead, Conn. He served as parochial vicar of St. Francis of Assisi Parish from 1993 to 1994, and St. Anthony Shrine, Boston, from 2001 to 2002. He also worked in ministry at the Franciscan Center in Greensboro, N.C., from 2002 to 2005.
In 2005, Father Frambes was named pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Wilmington, Del., where he enjoyed ministering to the predominantly African American community. After eight years, Father Frambes entered a Trappist Monastery before returning to Long Beach Island as parochial vicar in 2014. There, he was active with the Pre-Cana and prison ministries, was chaplain of the local Secular Franciscan Fraternity and Friends of Francis and Clare, and worked with LBI’s Jewish Community Center.
Centered on Christ
In his homily, Father DiSpigno incorporated messages from the three Readings “that Father Frambes had selected and were perfect for him.”
“He was a strong believer, but because of his own [human] limitations, he could only see Christ partially, and he wanted more. He kept searching and ultimately what he found out in the quiet peace of life was that being with people, sharing a meal, taking a walk on the beach is where he came close to recognizing Christ in his midst,” Father DiSpigno said.
He spoke of Father Frambes’ “great devotion to the Eucharist at this altar,” and it was during the celebration of Mass, “he knew that with his brothers and sisters, he was walking with Christ.
“In his life he strove with such determination to see Christ,” Father DiSpigno said. “I don’t think there’s anyone here in this place that doubts he sees Christ now face to face.”
Many Memories
Franciscan Brother Jose Rodriguez, a representative of Our Lady of Guadalupe Province, Rose Valentine, a representative of the LBI Jewish Community Center, and scores of parishioners were among those who warmly remembered Father Frambes.
Tears welled in Skip Carey’s eyes as he shared that Father Frambes had heard his Confession just days before he died.
“His words of wisdom will be with me forever,” said Carey, a parishioner since 1986 and daily Mass attendant. “I can’t thank him enough for that day. He’s been here for all of us.”
When thinking of the impact that Father Frambes had on the parish community, Deacon Bob Cunningham said the word “beloved” comes to mind.
“He cared a lot for everyone. He was a man of peace,” Deacon Cunningham said.
“He was in his happy place when God called him home,” Deacon Cunningham said. “And now Father John is in even a happier place.”
Father Frambes was predeceased by his parents, Horace and Mary Frambes. He is survived by a brother, William Frambes, two aunts and his cousins.
Burial was in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Totowa. Memorial donations may be made to St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 4700 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach Island, N.J. 08008.
Among the mourners in attendance at Father Frambes Funeral Mass were the sisters from the Monastery of St. Clare in Chesterfield. Mary Stadnyk photo