Deacon James D. Kane, Sr.

Deacon James D. Kane, Sr., age 92, of Springfield, PA, passed away on June 29, 2022. Born in Phoenixville, PA, he was the son of the late John D. and Doris Kane (nee Piersol), and was the second oldest of eight children. He graduated from West Catholic High School for Boys in 1947 and then served in the United States Army for two years. Jim graduated from Villanova University with a B.S. in Economics.

While auditing the books at one of his early accounting jobs, Jim met his bride-to-be at Lee Tire and Rubber Co. in Philadelphia. They married at St. Francis deSales in Philadelphia in 1958 and then raised four children in Springfield, PA. He was active in their education as well as serving as Presidents of the Home and School Associations of both St. Francis of Assisi Grade and Cardinal O’Hara High Schools.  Following in his footsteps, Jim was proud that all four of his children graduated from his alma mater, Villanova University. Jim was a Certified Public Accountant and general insurance agent. He eventually became president of his own pension planning business, Corporate Pension Planning, and worked from his home office until the age of 87.

Deeply devoted to his Catholic faith, Jim was ordained as a Permanent Deacon in 1991, actively serving at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Springfield for over 25 years. He often ended his homilies with his signature “Think About It”. Jim lived his life in service to others. He was a founding member of the parish’s St. Vincent DePaul Society and served as Spiritual Director of the parish’s Legion of Mary Chapter.

Jim was a beloved Pop-Pop to eight grandchildren and GiGi Pop-Pop to nine great grandchildren. He and Mary hosted countless Sunday night dinners, holidays and summer barbecues. One of the favorite family memories is returning from a beach day in Ocean City, NJ during summer vacation in time for an elaborate “happy hour” set up by Pop-Pop. He will be most remembered for his devotion to God, love of family, service to his parish community, generosity, and quick wit.

Jim enjoyed playing tennis and table tennis, watching Tiger Woods golf and cheering for Villanova men’s basketball. He loved watching his favorite movies and was hard to beat in checkers. Jim and Mary spent the last 10 months at Little Flower Manor Nursing Home where he was wonderfully cared for and loved by the nursing staff.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Theresa Kane (nee McCullough) and his loving children Maryanne Rayer (Michael), James Kane, Jr. (Joan), Meg Riley (Shawn) and Ave Maria Preston (Edward). Loving grandfather of Katie Porter, Colleen Boulden, Caroline Blessing, Molly Brightbill, Stephen Kane, Shawn Riley, Peter Kane and Mary Ellen Kane. Great-grandfather of Kacey, Julie and Amy Boulden; Declan, Moira, and Nolan Brightbill; Callan Riley, Luke Blessing, and Jamie Kane. Brother of Sr. Doris Kane, I.H.M., Kathleen Kane Vasko and the late John D. Kane, Jr., Joan Kane, Sr. Mary Jane Kane, I.H.M., Joseph D. Kane and Patricia Kane Burruano.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit the family on Tuesday, July 5, 2022 from 6:00-8:30 PM (Evening Prayer 6:00-6:30 PM) and Wednesday, July 6, 2022 10:00-10:45 AM at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 136 Saxer Avenue, Springfield, PA and to his Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM. Interment SS Peter and Paul Cemetery, Springfield, PA.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the St. Vincent DePaul Society at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Springfield, PA.