Father Cyprian dies at 87; served Tucson for 43 years

Killackey, who celebrated his 87th birthday in January, had been in failing health and lived in an assisted-living home for the last few months. He died at University Medical Center on Monday evening as a result of a fall days earlier at the nursing home. Funeral arrangements are pending.

Killackey, known to his parishioners as Father Cyprian, moved to Tucson in 1969 and served the community through Santa Cruz Parish and St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Parish.

"He was one of those priests, when you met him, you connected with him and continued that connection over many years," said Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas. "Whoever got to meet Father Cyprian remembered Father Cyprian.

"He was a marvelous priest. Someone I admired very much myself."

Killackey was born in Eyrecourt, County Galway, Ireland, the second youngest of Hubert Killackey and Catherine Horan's nine children. He grew up on the family farm, climbing apple trees and tending fields. At 15, Killackey began studies that would lead him to the priesthood.

"I remember him saying he was always interested in the priesthood and, in Ireland, I think it was the custom that the priests could come and talk with the kids at school. One day it was the Carmelite priest that came to speak and it grabbed his attention," said Father Matthew Williams, provincial - or leader - of the Discalced Carmelite Order in this region.

"What really attracted him was the devotion that the order has to the Virgin Mary. That was always very important to him; and a life that was dedicated to prayer and service. He was always a very prayerful person. He was really able to be a great servant of the people he ministered to," Williams said.

Killackey was ordained July 13, 1952, in Dublin and served eight years in County Galway before being transferred to the United States. He resided in Oakville, Calif., before coming to Tucson.

St. Margaret parishioner Fred Valdenegro considered Killackey a friend as well as a spiritual adviser.

"Father considered himself a priest of the people. He built strong relationships, strong friendships," said Valdenegro, who regularly met the priest on the links.

"He was a very good golfer. He beat the pants off me every time. He was a pleasure to be around with."

In 2002, Killackey celebrated 50 years in the priesthood with a Mass said before more than 600 parishioners and two dozen clergy. At the celebration, he reminisced about his life of service.

"It isn't peaches and cream all the time. There are ups and downs. It can be frustrating," Killackey said in an Arizona Daily Star article. But he wouldn't have changed a thing.

At the 2002 celebration, he looked forward to the future, saying: "I have at least a good 10 more years to serve."

Contact reporter Kimberly Matas at kmatas@azstarnet.com or at 573-4191.