Cleveland Police Department Mourns Beloved Chaplain

CLEVELAND, Ohio — A devout, Cleveland priest known for his kind and caring way of comforting others passed away Thursday. He was 76 years old.

Police and parishioners are mourning the loss of Father John Cregan, who was a priest for more than 50 years, serving as pastor of Our Lady of Angels Church on Cleveland’s west side for 23 years.

Father Cregan also served as Chaplain for the Cleveland Police Department for 39 years. Former police chief Marty Flask says he will remember Father Cregan’s comforting way with the families of fallen officers.

“Father Cregan was more than a police chaplain for us, and he was a friend, and he was a mentor. In fact, he baptized my grandchildren. He has been an integral part of our lives for forty years, and his absence will leave a significant void,” Flask told Fox 8 News.

Calling hours for Father Cregan will be held at the Ripepi Funeral Home on Bagley Road in Middleburg Heights on Monday, May 21, from 2-8 p.m.

Mourners can also attend visitation services at Our Lady of Angels Church on Rocky River Drive in Cleveland on Tuesday, May 22, from 4-8 p.m.

A funeral will be held at Our Lady of Angels on Wednesday at 11 a.m.