Father Felice Friends Circle
Father John Felice, OFM, one of our co-founders, passed away peacefully on July 31, at 81, from an Alzheimer-related illness.
This year, as we approach the Feast of St. Francis on October 4 – our namesake – we remember and celebrate the extraordinary life of our co-founder.
Many of our long-term supporters knew Fr. Felice as pastor of the historic St. Francis of Assisi Church on West 31st Street, where he served from 1973 to 1982.
In 1980, along with Fr. John McVean and Fr. Thomas Walters, he established our first St. Francis residence in Chelsea.
Their groundbreaking idea – to provide permanent, affordable housing with on-site medical, psychiatric, wellness, and social services for New York City’s homeless struggling with severe mental illness – was radical at the time. Now, it’s the standard of care.
Father Felice showed us what it is to walk in the footsteps of Saint Francis. He led by example, as our staff and supporters do today.
We invite you to join our Father Felice Friends Circle with a leadership gift of $1,000 or more and receive invitations to special events and communications from our leadership.
Fr. Felice’s impact stretched across New York City and beyond.
“John was one of the greatest men I ever knew. Others may step in, but he can never be replaced.”
“He’s a good man. He’s a good cook too. He used to cook for us sometimes. Spaghetti and meatballs were my favorite. I’m gonna miss him. Fr. McVean and him were like twins. Anytime you saw them, they were together.
For nearly 20 years, I’ve known Fr Felice. The three of them, actually.”
“Fr. John’s passing leaves a void that words cannot express, and the city and society owe him an immeasurable debt of gratitude.”
“It could only be Fr. Felice to develop such an idea, raise enough funds through extensive advocation of our very state and local government plus its constituents, and follow through with this concept thrice in his lifetime. For his valiant efforts to house the homeless all those years ago, we are forever grateful.”
“He gave me the opportunity to live in this building. He always cared about me. In the winter, he would make sure I was wearing a jacket. He never wanted me to get sick. He was a good man.”
“Two of his hallmark standards and requirements are that each mentally ill homeless person in the care of St. Francis Friends must be referred to as a ‘client’; and (2) that each such client must always be treated with dignity. His efforts will be appreciated, admired, and respected forever.”
“I knew him for about 33 years. I am going to miss him. He was a very nice man. He was a very nice priest, and I’m going to miss him a lot. ”
“Fr. Felice took a simple, direct, and pragmatic approach to the homeless and mentally ill on the streets of New York City by offering them housing and help with whatever they needed. The simplicity of this solution, the cost-effectiveness, and the humanity and dignity it extends is a feasible investment for every New York City neighborhood.”
“There’s a well-known quote from his order’s namesake that captures the calm, sure-footed audacity with which Fr. Felice approached what would be his life’s work and lasting legacy: ‘Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.’”
“Father John Felice and Father John McVean not only introduced me to their wonderful work, but they also paved the way for meeting some of the most inspiring and wonderful people I’ve ever known. For those like me, who struggle with their faith, I believe that the Divine is revealed in people like the Father Johns, who, in their lives and in their work, revealed to us our better angels. May Father Felice’s memory be a blessing.”
“As Commissioner of the New York State Office of Mental
Health, I am especially grateful for the efforts to assist individuals living
with mental illness. Establishing the first permanent supportive housing for these individuals years ago provided an opportunity for many people to begin their recovery journey. His continued advocacy resulted in system change!
On a personal note, I met Father John many times throughout
my career – initially during my psychiatric residency – and considered him to be the kindest of men. His presence and passion for helping others will be remembered always.”
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
— Artwork by Judith R. —
