Obituary: Rev. William Francis Modlin
3 minute readPublished: Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 6:01 am
Obituary: Rev. William Francis Modlin
The Reverend William Francis Modlin, a priest who dedicated his life to service, passed away on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at the age of 91. Born on January 11, 1935, he was a man of diverse experiences, from military service to a long and impactful career in the priesthood.
Before entering the clergy, Rev. Modlin served for two years in the New Jersey National Guard. He initially joined the Congregation of the Holy Cross after high school, remaining with the community until 1977. His educational journey included studies at St. Aeddans and Lincoln High School, followed by the University of New Haven and Goddard College, where he earned both a Bachelor of Arts and a master's degree. He completed his priestly studies at Pope John XXIII Seminary, graduating in 1996.
Rev. Modlin's path to the priesthood began in 1992 with his formation for the Diocese of Portland. He was ordained a Deacon in 1995 and a Priest in 1996. His ministry spanned a variety of roles across Maine, including prison ministry at several correctional facilities and chaplaincy at the Togus VA Medical Center. He served as Pastor of St. Anthony Parish in Jackman and Holy Family Parish in Greenville.
His later years saw him serving as Parochial Vicar in multiple parishes, including St. Augustine, St. Mary, St. Andrew, St. Joseph, St. Denis, St. Francis Xavier, and St. Leo. He continued his ministry with St. Michael Parish until his retirement in 2011.
Rev. Modlin is survived by his sister, Mary Modlin. A Vigil with Reception of the Body will be held on Wednesday, February 25, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, February 26, at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church. Burial will take place in the spring.
BNN's Perspective: Rev. Modlin's life reflects a commitment to service and a dedication to his faith. His diverse experiences, from military service to pastoral care, demonstrate a life lived in service to others. His long career in the priesthood, particularly his work in prison ministry and with veterans, highlights a compassionate approach to ministry.
Keywords: Rev. William Francis Modlin, obituary, priest, Maine, Catholic Church, St. Mary of the Assumption, prison ministry, Togus VA Medical Center, Diocese of Portland, funeral, Augusta, chaplain, pastor, parochial vicar