Msgr. Thomas A. Luebking, who retired from his longtime post as pastor of St. Catharine and St. Margaret Parish, Spring Lake, June 30, died July 6 in the University of Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia, following a lengthy illness.

Funeral arrangements will commence with visiting hours July 10 from 3 to 7 p.m. in St. Catharine Church, 215 Essex Ave., Spring Lake. The following day, July 11, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., will be principal celebrant of a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. in St. Margaret Church, Corner of third and Ludlow Ave.

Born in Elkhart, Ind., Msgr. Luebking was the son of the late Arthur and Annie Thomas Luebking.

He  held a doctorate of education in administration from The Catholic University of America, Washington, a master’s degree in library science and a bachelor of arts degree in political science, both of which he was awarded from Villanova University, Villanova, Pa. Prior to entering the seminary, he was an assistant professor in West Chester State College, West Chester, Pa., and St. Francis College, Loretto, Pa., which are now both universities. He prepared for the priesthood in St. Francis Seminary, Loretto, Pa., and was ordained to the priesthood May 29, 1971, by Bishop George W. Ahr in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton.

Following his ordination, Msgr. Luebking was named parochial vicar of St. Joseph Parish, Bound Brook, and served as Catholic chaplain of Somerset County Community College. On March 17, 1972, he was appointed to serve as director of Cathedral High School, Trenton, and soon after, he began serving in the diocesan education office.

Named diocesan superintendent of schools in 1973, Msgr. Luebking dedicated more than a decade of service in that role. During that time, he also served as moderator of the PTA and Diocesan Council of Catholic Women. He also served on the board of directors for the Educational Improvement Center for both Central New Jersey and Northwest New Jersey.

On Sept. 15, 1977, he was named a Chaplain of His Holiness and given the title of “monsignor’” by Pope Paul VI.

After many years in diocesan service, Msgr. Luebking returned to parish life as temporary administrator of St. Alphonsus Parish, Hopewell, in December, 1985, and soon after was named pastor. He assumed his post as pastor of St. Catharine-St. Margaret Parish Feb. 3, 1989, where he continued to serve the parish and school community until his death.

Msgr. Luebking had been a member of various library and educational associations and served on the obard of trustees for the Sister Georgine Learning Center for Exceptional Children in Trenton from 1983 until it closed in 2013.

As a member of the Knights of Columbus since 1958, and a Fourth Degree member since 1963, he served as Grand Knight, financial secretary, district deputy and, since ordination, to various councils and assemblies. He has been a member of the Trenton Diocesan Council of Priests and was Dean of the Monmouth Coastal Deanery.

Msgr. Luebking served on the Monmouth County Regional Board of Catholic Charities and the development committee of the Diocesan Board of Catholic Charities. In 1996, he became a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem and is a Knight Commander. Since 1996, he has been vice-chair of the Catholic Charities Guardian Angel Dinner Dance. He was a member of the board of trustees of Coastal Caregivers, which provides home healthcare services.

Msgr. Luebking is survived by a sister, Candy (Gary) Veturys of Glenolden, Pa. and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Until the completion of St. Anne’s Mausoleum, Msgr. Luebking will be entombed in St. Catharine Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to St. Anne’s Scholarship Fund, 215 Essex Ave., Spring Lake, N.J. 07762.