The death has occurred of Rev. Fr. Thomas Earner on the 18th October 2023, retired priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, Florida and formerly of Knocklahard, Headford, Co. Galway. Fr. Earner is predeceased by his parents Thomas and Bridget Earner, his brothers Patrick (P.J.), Michael, John James, and his sisters Sarah, Mary and Bridie.
Fr. Tom will be dearly missed by his sisters Nora Birt (England), Rita Walsh (USA) and Ann Sherry (Clarinbridge), brothers-in-law Denis and John, many nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, extended family and friends. Fr Tom is also deeply regretted by Bishop Gregory Parkes, Diocese of St. Petersburg, fellow priests and friends in the Diocese, and a wide range of colleagues and friends in the United States and Ireland.
During his 61 years of priestly life he served as Pastor to a number of parishes in Tampa and Plant City, taught in Tampa Catholic High School, and was assigned by Bishop Larkin, to oversee a new mission in the Seven Springs area in 1980. The mission eventually became St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in New Port Richey, where Fr Tom served as Pastor from 1982 until his retirement in January 1998, due to health concerns. In the years following his retirement Fr Tom moved to Oldsmar where he continued to provide assistance to local parishes.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis
Funeral services will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 8320 Old County Road 54, New Port Richey, Florida and are as follows: Visitation on Wednesday October 25th from 10am (3pm Irish time). Funeral Mass will take place at 11am (4pm Irish time). Funeral Mass can be viewed live on https://stanpr.org/. Burial will take place at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 5233, 118th Avenue, N. Clearwater, following the funeral Mass. A Memorial Mass honouring Fr Tom’s life will take place at a later date in St. Mary’s Church, Claran.
The family greatly appreciate your sympathy and support at this sad time. If you would like to leave a personal message for the family, please use the condolence section below.
