Former McQuaid Jesuit president and chancellor, Rev. Edward F. Salmon, S.J., died Saturday, July 3 at Campion Center in Weston, Massachusetts. Fr. Salmon had been at Campion Center, a Jesuit health care facility, since July 2019 receiving treatment for health issues. He was 84.
Fr. Salmon twice was assigned to McQuaid Jesuit, spending a total of 14 years in Rochester. From 2002-07 he taught Theology and Latin in addition to serving as Superior of the Jesuit Community and Faculty Chaplain, helping instill Jesuit ideals to the lay faculty and staff members.
In 2010, Fr. Salmon returned to McQuaid as the school’s 12th president. During his tenure Fr. Salmon oversaw the implementation of sixth grade to the middle school; the expansion of the school’s infrastructure with the addition of six all-purpose classrooms; and renovation of the school’s outdated cafeteria into a state-of-the-art dining facility. In 2014, Fr. Salmon stepped down as president but not before the school’s chapel was dedicated and renamed the Fr. Edward F. Salmon, S.J. Student Chapel in honor and gratitude of his commitment to the McQuaid community. Fr. Salmon remained a member of the McQuaid staff as its chancellor, serving as an ambassador for the school until his passing.
A New Jersey native, Fr. Salmon graduated from fellow Jesuit High School St. Peter’s Prep in 1954. Although he entered the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) following graduation, Fr. Salmon left the order only six months short of completing his studies. In 1980, following 12 years in the corporate world, Fr. Salmon asked to be readmitted to the Jesuits and, in 1985, was ordained a priest. He took final vows in 1996.
He served as president of St. Peter’s Prep in Jersey City, NJ from 1987-90. Known as a Spiritual Director and Director of Retreats, Fr. Salmon led and directed retreats in Spiritual Centers and Retreat Houses throughout the United States, Canada, North Wales, and Venezuela throughout his career. Between assignments at McQuaid Jesuit, Fr. Salmon served as the superior of the Jesuit community at America House in New York City.
A wake will be held Thursday, July 8, 2021 from 3-5 p.m. at the Chapel of the Holy Spirit located in the Campion Center, 319 Concord Road, Weston, Massachusetts 02493. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, July 9 at 10 a.m. also at Campion Center.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Rochester Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at 10 a.m.