We were deeply saddened to hear the news that Father Neil McNicholas passed away in Butterwick Hospice, Stockton, in the early hours of this morning (January 24).
Father Neil, who was 76 and came from Redcar, recently retired as parish priest of St Mary and St Romuald, in Yarm.
He had been ill in James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough for several weeks before going into the hospice.
Father Neil trained at Ushaw College and was Bishop John’s first ordination for the diocese, in July 1993.
He also served parishes including Christ the King inThornaby, St Peter’s in South Bank, St Andrew’s in Teesville, St Hilda’s in Whitby and St Gabriel’s in Ormesby.
Our picture shows him after his ordination at Ushaw as deacon.
May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
Funeral details will be announced once they have been confirmed.