Submitted by: Dan Rich

Rev. Thomas E. Hewitt CSC

May 26, 1911 - Nov. 16, 1999

South Bend Tribune 11/20/1999

In your charity please remember Fr. Thomas Edward Hewitt, CSC, 88, who died in San Antonio, Texas, on Tuesday, Nov. 16. Father Hewitt was born in Oak Park, Ill., on May 26, 1911, to Harry and Agnes Veronica (Hayes) Hewitt.

He graduated from Ascension Parish grade school, Oak Park and attended St. Mel High School, Chicago, for one year before enrolling in Holy Cross Seminary, Notre Dame, Ind., where he graduated in 1930. He entered St. Joseph's Novitiate, Notre Dame, professed first vows on July 7, 1931, and final vows on July 2, 1937. He received a Bachelors degree in Philosophy in 1935. After theological studies at Holy Cross College, Washington, D.C., he was ordained priest on June 24, 1939.

After ordination, Fr. Hewitt assisted for one year at St. Patrick's Parish, South Bend, before joining the Holy Cross Mission Band, Notre Dame, for two years, 1940-42 and from 1946-51. In 1942, he began a long career as a military chaplain, first in the Army until 1946, and in the Air Force from 1958 until 1970. During this time, he served at various times in the Strategic Air Command, as deputy chief, Chaplain-Legal Courses and at Officer Military School, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.

After retirement from the military, he studied at St. Mary's University, San Antonio, Texas, where he received a master's degree in Theology in 1972. Father Hewitt had lived in San Antonio since 1970.

Fr. Hewitt is survived by brothers, William (Muriel) and Robert (Leona); sisters, Geraldine (Richard) Collins, Marjorie (Vernon) MacKenzie and Patricia (Frank) Cullen; and by 32 nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by sisters, Frances, Virginia (Harlan) Kinney, and Helen (Robert) Leahy.

A Vigil Service will be held at Moreau Seminary, Notre Dame, on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. The Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Notre Dame, on Monday at 3:30 p.m. Burial follows in Community Cemetery. The Kaniewski Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.