Reverend Alan B. McGuirk , M.S. , 88, a Missionary of Our Lady of La Salette, 85 New Park Avenue, Hartford, died August 2, 2018 at St. Mary Home in West Hartford, CT.  He was born August 19, 1929 in Fitchburg, MA, son of the late M. Thomas and Lillian (Gelinas) McGuirk.  He attended St. Bernard School in Fitchburg before entering the La Salette Apostolic School in Hartford, CT in 1943. Father entered the La Salette Novitiate on July 2, 1947 and made his first profession of vows on July 2, 1948. He studied for two years at the La Salette Seminary in Milford, Iowa, and completed his Philosophy and Theology studies at La Salette Seminary in Ipswich, MA.   He was ordained to the priesthood on May 5, 1956 in the former La Salette Shrine Church in Ipswich.

During his first fifteen years of ministry he served as Assistant Pastor in several Louisiana parishes including Our Lady of Prompt Succor in Sulphur, St. Joseph Parish in Loreauville, and parishes in DeQuincy, Vinton, Westlake and DeRidder. He served his Congregation in many capacities. In 1971 he was appointed Treasurer of the La Salette Provincial residence in St. Louis, MO, and in 1973 was also appointed Provincial Secretary-Treasurer.  Among his assignments, he served as Assistant Director of novices for several years while in St. Louis. In 1985 he returned to Sulphur, LA as chaplain to the West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital in Sulphur. In 1988 he again became Associate Pastor at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Parish where he served until 1990 when he became Parochial Vicar of St. Patrick Parish in Lufkin, TX with its mission of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Diboll. He returned to the La Salette residence in St. Louis, MO in October of 1997 as House Superior and Treasurer until failing health forced his retirement to Hartford House in 2002.  Here, he carried out a ministry of prayer and presence.  He said that his diverse assignments had provided his greatest satisfaction in being a priest. "I have enjoyed my priesthood, and serving so many for God." Prior to his death, he celebrated his 70 ^th Anniversary of Profession with his La Salette community.

In addition to his La Salette community, Father Alan McGuirk, M.S. is survived by a niece, nephews, several cousins and many friends. Father was predeceased by two brothers, Thomas and Philip and a sister, Elizabeth Von Kamecke.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be concelebrated on Monday, August 6, 2018 at 10:30 A.M. at the La Salette Chapel, Hartford, CT.  Burial will be at Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery in Bloomfield, CT.  Calling hours will held be at Hartford House, 85 New Park Avenue, Hartford on Monday, August 6, 2018 from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m.  Contributions in Father's memory may be made to:  Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette Retirement Fund, 915 Maple Avenue, Hartford, CT 06114-2330.  To share a memory with the Community or family, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com