Submitted by: Dan Rich

Rev. Thomas F. Peyton CSC

Nov. 17, 1906 - June 30, 1996

South Bend Tribune 7/3/1996

The Reverend Thomas F. Peyton, CSC, 89, died at Holy Cross House, Notre Dame, Ind. at 5:15 p.m. on Sunday, June 30. Father Peyton was born in County Mayo, Ireland on Nov. 17, 1906, the son of John and Mary (Gillard) Peyton.

He entered Holy Cross Seminary at Notre Dame in 1929. After graduating in 1932 he entered St. Joseph Novitiate at Notre Dame where he made his first vows on July 2, 1933. He pronounced his perpetual vows three years later on Aug. 16, 1936. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1937. The next four years Father Peyton studied theology at Holy Cross College in Washington D.C.

Father Peyton was ordained at Sacred Heart Church, Notre Dame, Ind. on June 15, 1941, by the late Bishop John Francis Noll, Bishop of Fort Wayne, Ind. His brother, the Rev. Patrick Peyton CSC, was ordained at the same time. Father Pat preceded him in death on June 3, 1992. Father Peyton served most of his active priestly life in parish ministry, beginning as Assistant Pastor at Sacred Heart Parish in New Orleans, La., after ordination. In 1949 he became Pastor at Sacred Heart Parish, New Orleans, La. He was transferred to St. Joseph Parish, South Bend, Ind., to be Pastor in 1955 where he served for six years. In 1961 he returned to Sacred Heart Parish, New Orleans, La., for six more years again as Pastor. From 1967-70, he served as Chaplain to the Sisters of the Holy Cross at St. Mary's Convent, Notre Dame, Ind. For the next 26 years until his death, Father Peyton lived at Holy Cross House, Notre Dame, Ind. where he served as Assistant superior for the first three years.

Father Peyton is survived by nieces and nephews, among whom is the Rev. Msgr. John Gallagher of Dunmore, Pa. Father William Melody, CSC, Director of Health Care and Retirement for the Indiana Province, is his cousin.

A Wake Service will be celebrated on Thursday, July 4, 1996 at 8 p.m. in the chapel of Moreau Seminary, Notre Dame, Ind. Visitation will begin at 3:30 p.m. at Moreau Seminary. The Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Basilica, Notre Dame, Ind. on Friday, July 5, 1996, at 10 a.m. Burial will follow the Funeral Mass in the Community Cemetery at Notre Dame. The Hickey Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.