Father John Corona (May 9, 1933 – March 26, 2025)

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Father John Corona, who passed away at the age of 91. Born to Italian immigrants, he was the second of three children of John and Emma Corona. Known for his energetic, warm, and sociable nature, Father John was admired by all who knew him.

Father John’s journey to the priesthood was one of faith and reflection. After graduating from Siena College in Loudonville, New York, he enlisted in the Army, serving as a Chaplain’s Assistant—a role that reawakened his childhood dream of becoming a priest. Following an honorable discharge, he entered the business world, working at IBM. However, his calling was undeniable, and a transformative retreat at a Trappist monastery led him to pursue theological studies at Pope John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts.

Ordained on May 8, 1971, Father John devoted himself to the Diocese of Reno-Las Vegas. He began his ministry at Saint Christopher Church in North Las Vegas where he served from 1971 to 1977.  He then accepted a pastoral role at St. Gall Catholic Church in Gardnerville, Nevada, in 1977. For over 22 years, he served with unwavering dedication, helping the St Gall parish grow from 200 to 400 families. One of his proudest achievements was leading the design and construction of a new, architecturally celebrated church building, which featured expansive windows and skylights, blending nature with spiritual worship.

Beyond his priestly duties, Father John was deeply involved in the community, organizing social activities, visiting the sick, performing sacraments, and even joining parishioners in weekly aerobic exercise classes. Despite the challenges of serving a large and growing congregation, his compassion and leadership were evident in all he did.

Father John believed in fostering creativity and modernity within the Church, emphasizing inclusivity and adaptability in meeting the community’s needs. His legacy is one of love, faith, and service, remembered by parishioners and friends for his kindness, resilience, and spiritual guidance.

His commitment extended beyond the walls of the Church, as he became a champion of community causes such as the Carson Valley Community Food Closet in Gardnerville, Nevada, which provides supplemental food assistance to residents in need. Father John’s tender nature and deep respect for all living beings shone through in his love for animals, especially his cherished pet, Dante.

May Father John rest in peace.

*UPDATE*FUNERAL SERVICE FOR FR. JOHN CORONA
The Funeral Service for Father John Corona will be held on Friday, May 9, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Gall Catholic Parish, located at 1343 Centerville Lane, Gardnerville, NV 89410.

Please contact St. Gall Parish with any questions at (775) 782-2852.