A Mass of Christian Burial for Deacon George A. Bourbeau, a former deacon in the diocese, was celebrated Aug. 21 at Infant Jesus Church, Nashua, N.H. He died unexpectedly Aug. 16 at his residence in New Hampshire. He was 71.

Born in Manchester, N.H., Deacon Bourbeau was a former Franciscan friar who was ordained to the diaconate on May 28, 2011 by Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio at Our Lady of Angels Church, Bay Ridge.

He served as a deacon at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament parish, Bayside, 2011-15, particularly in youth ministry and religious education.

Prior to ordination, he was active there as a lector, youth minister, choir member and an extraordinary minister of the Eucharist. In addition, he organized the decorating committee for holydays and maintained the parish gardens.

Mentor to the Parish

“I was very pleased when I came to Our Lady of Blessed Sacrament and met Deacon George,” said Father Robert Whelan, pastor. “In our time together he really helped expand the liturgy which was very important to him. He was a great help to me and the parish during his many years of service.

“The work he did as the Youth Minster was that he was able to help so many young people and even lead two students to joining the diaconate themselves. He was a true mentor and a great inspiration.”

He retired in 2015 and moved to his native New Hampshire.

Deacon Bourbeau is survived by his sisters, Carol Rioux of Nashua, and Edith Gault of Gilford, N.H.

Burial was in St. Augustine’s Cemetery, Manchester.