The Catholic Register - Retired Bishop Clune dies at age 86

Written by Catholic Register Staff,

TORONTO - Bishop Robert B. Clune, a retired auxiliary bishop of the archdiocese of Toronto, passed away in Toronto on Sept. 6, two weeks before his 87th birthday.

Ordained a priest in 1945, Bishop Clune faithfully ministered to the archdiocese of Toronto for more than half a century. He served in parishes throughout the archdiocese including Our Lady of Lourdes (Toronto), St. Ann's (Toronto), St. Wilfrid's (North York) and St. John the Evangelist (Whitby).

With a doctorate and licentiate in canon law, Bishop Clune also served as vice chancellor of the archdiocese, director of Catholic Cemeteries, archdiocesan director of the St. Vincent de Paul Society and director of the Catholic Church Extension Society of Canada (now known as Catholic Missions In Canada).

Fr. Robert Clune was ordained auxiliary bishop on June 21, 1979, assisting Cardinal Gerald Emmett Carter with the northern and northeastern regions of the archdiocese. In addition to a long-standing passion for Catholic education, Bishop Clune held numerous leadership roles, working with religious orders, permanent deacons and missionary projects in Canada and overseas. He retired from active ministry in June of 1997.

Toronto Archbishop Thomas Collins expressed sympathy on behalf of the Catholic community: "We are saddened today by the news of the passing of Bishop Clune. We give thanks for his faithful years of service and commitment to the Church and the greater community. To his family, friends and colleagues, we offer our sincere condolences and heartfelt prayers."

Visitation and funeral arrangements are as follows:

St. Wilfrid's Parish,
1675 Finch Ave. West,
North York

Visitation — Monday, Sept. 10, 2 p.m. - 9 p.m. (parish
Mass at 8 p.m.); Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
St. Michael's Cathedral, 67 Bond St., Toronto
Visitation — Tuesday, Sept. 11, 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Funeral Mass — Wednesday, Sept. 12, 10 a.m.

A full biography and photos of Bishop Clune can be found online at: www.archtoronto.org.

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