Monsignor Richard J. Lyons

Monsignor Richard J. Lyons, a faithful and devoted priest who served the Church for more than fifty years, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at Raritan Bay Medical Center in Perth Amboy. He was 78 years old.

Born in 1947 in Red Bank to Mildred and Frank J. Lyons, Monsignor Lyons was raised in Atlantic Highlands, where he attended public elementary and high schools. Inspired by the example of an Irish associate pastor at his home parish, he discerned a calling to the priesthood at a young age — a calling that would shape the entirety of his life.

He pursued his education with dedication and intellectual vigor, earning a bachelor’s degree in classical languages from Seton Hall University in 1970, a master’s degree in homiletics from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a Master of Divinity degree in pastoral theology from Immaculate Conception Seminary in Darlington in 1975.

Monsignor Lyons was ordained to the priesthood on May 18, 1974, at St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral in Trenton by Bishop George W. Ahr. In the years that followed, his ministry would span parish life, Catholic education, and diocesan leadership. Ten years after his ordination, he earned a licentiate degree in canon law from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., becoming the first clergyman appointed to the newly formed Diocese of Metuchen’s Tribunal. He would go on to serve as associate judicial vicar for fifteen years and was appointed judicial vicar in 2001.

Reflecting on his time studying canon law, Monsignor Lyons once acknowledged the challenge of returning to school, but recognized it as a tremendous opportunity to serve the Church in a vital way. When the Diocese of Metuchen was created, there was an urgent need for clergy trained in canon law. He answered that call with perseverance and humility. His work on the Tribunal — including assisting couples in validating their marriages and guiding priests in understanding the annulment process — was a profound expression of his pastoral heart. Even in later years, he continued to serve the Tribunal faithfully.

In parish ministry, Monsignor Lyons served as associate pastor at Immaculate Conception Parish in Somerville, Sacred Heart Parish in South Plainfield, and St. Matthew the Apostle Parish in Edison. He also ministered at St. Mary Parish in South Amboy, where he served in diaconate ministry and taught religion and marriage courses at the parish high school and at Immaculata High School in Somerville.

In 1986, he was appointed temporary administrator of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Dunellen and, in 1989, was named pastor. He faithfully shepherded the parish community for nearly two decades, serving as pastor until June 2008. With the assistance of dedicated deacons and parishioners, he balanced parish life with his Tribunal responsibilities for 22 years, grateful for the opportunity to minister so closely to the people entrusted to his care.

Throughout five decades of priestly service, Monsignor Lyons often spoke of three essential virtues that guided his ministry: perseverance, compassion, and forgiveness — the very qualities he saw embodied in Christ. He encouraged young priests to embrace these virtues and to serve with courage in a changing Church.

Beyond his priestly duties, Monsignor Lyons cherished the simple joys of life. He loved spending time with family and friends, especially enjoying trips to the movies followed by a meal together. He was an avid reader, always eager to learn and reflect. His gentle demeanor, thoughtful conversations, and quiet sense of humor endeared him to those who knew him well.

Monsignor Lyons is survived by his brother, Frank Lyons and his wife Judy; his nephew, Daniel Lyons and his wife Jacqueline; his great-niece, Asia; his cousins, Jeffrey, Barbara and Doug Stolarz, and Thomas Schilk; as well as many loving friends. He is also mourned by his brother priests of the Diocese of Metuchen, with whom he shared a lifetime of prayer, ministry, and fraternity in service to the Church.

Monsignor Richard J. Lyons leaves behind a legacy of faithful service, wise counsel, and steady compassion. For fifty years, he answered the Lord’s call with perseverance and courage. May he now rest in the eternal peace of the One he served so devotedly.