Rev. John Luke Roark

The Rev. John Luke Roark entered eternal life on Saturday, February 24, 2018. He was born in Binghamton, NY on December 7, 1930, the son of the late Frank James and Margaret (Barrett) Roark. He attended St. Mary’s Elementary and St. Paul’s High School, both in Binghamton, and St. Michael’s College at the University of Toronto.

Father Roark received undergraduate and graduate degrees from St. Bernard’s Seminary in Rochester, NY and Syracuse University. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Syracuse on February 2, 1956 and served as assistant pastor at Our Lady of Sorrows, Vestal, Our Lady of Solace and St. John the Baptist Church, both in Syracuse. He was named pastor of St. Patrick’s Church, Jordan, and pastor and then co-pastor of St. Margaret’s Church, Mattydale.

Father served as Episcopal Vicar for the Western Region of the diocese from 1977 to 1983. Following this, he was appointed pastor, first at Immaculate Heart of Mary, Liverpool, and then St. Ann’s Parish, Syracuse. After retirement in 2001, he continued to serve St. Ann’s as pastor-emeritus until 2007.

In addition to his parents, Father Roark was predeceased by his sisters, Sister Mary Roark and Sarah Roark.

Surviving are several cousins and many friends.

Relatives and friends may call Thursday, March 1 from 4 to 7 p.m. at St. Charles~St. Ann's Parish, 4461 Onondaga Blvd. Vigil for a Deceased Priest will follow at 7 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, March 2 at 10 a.m. in the church. There will be a private burial in the family plot at St. Paul’s Cemetery, Oswego.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Ann's Food Pantry, 4461 Onondaga Blvd., Syracuse, NY 13219.