GLEN WILLIS SDS

RIP: 08/03/2025 - Silver Spring, MD, USA

Fr. Glen Willis (birth name: Daniel Edward) was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Benjamin and Margaret Willis on 27 April 1941. After attending Catholic grade schools, he entered Mother of the Savior Seminary in Blackwood, New Jersey, where he met the Salvatorians. His four years of high school and the first two years of college were spent there, and during that time he felt called to join the community. In Fall 1961, he entered novitiate at the Salvatorian Novitiate in Colfax, Iowa, professing vows on 8 September 1962. He completed college and two years of Philosophy at the Catholic University in Washington, DC. After apostolic experiences, he completed his Theology studies at Catholic University and St. Paul’s Seminary graduating with a master’s degree in theology in 1966. He was ordained at St. Mary’s Parish in Landover Hills, Maryland, on 5 September 1969. He served in various apostolates over the years including parish, youth ministry, catechesis, formation, province leadership, and education. He gained a reputation for being a gifted celebrant, preacher, storyteller, guitarist and singer. Fr. Glen wrote for several Salvatorian publications. He was a beloved mentor of many Lay Salvatorians. But over the years, the apostolate that held a deep spot in Fr. Glen’s heart was Camp St. Charles where he served as Camp Director for many years. Even in his later years, when health battles and weakness started slowing him down, there was nothing that could brighten his spirits like a visit to Camp. It was truly “home.” Hip surgery in the summer of 2023, followed by complications and weakness, took a toll on Fr. Glen’s health. In late 2024 he moved to an assisted living facility. During the winter months and into early 2025, his health battles increased, and he was moved into hospice care, where he died peacefully on 8 March at 83 years of age with 62 years of profession and 55 years of priesthood. He touched thousands of people’s lives with pure joy!