Catholic Archbishop John J. Myers has died at age 79.
Bishop Daniel Jenky of the Diocese of Peoria announced his predecessor’s death on Thursday. Myers served as bishop in Peoria from 1990 to 2001. He was later appointed archbishop of the Archdiocese of Newark, N.J., where he served until 2016.
Myers faced criticism for his handling of a church sex scandal in Newark in the early 2000s. The large home he moved into and renovated in Pittstown, N.J. following his retirement also received scruitiny. The Archdiocese of Newark later sold the home when Myers moved back to Illinois to live closer to family.
Jenky said Myers died at a care facility in Ottawa. His funeral will be held at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Peoria, and he will be buried in the Bishops’ Sepulchre at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Peoria.
Read more about his life and legacy here.
Cardinal Joseph Tobin of Newark posted the following statement online, along with a complete biography:
On behalf of my brother Bishops and the entire family of God here in our local Church of Newark, I extend my heartfelt prayers and condolences to his family. Let us thank God for Archbishop Myers’ service and his love of our Church. I entrust him to the loving arms of our Blessed Mother Mary, and I pray that Our Lord grant him peace.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him…
