A Shepherd of Souls: Remembering the Life and Legacy of Fr. Kevin Francis Dwyer, O.S.A.
North Andover, MA – On August 23, 2025, the Merrimack College community and the wider Augustinian family lost one of its most cherished leaders. Fr. Kevin Francis Dwyer, O.S.A., passed away peacefully at the age of 89, closing a chapter on a life defined by unwavering devotion, intellectual brilliance, and deep compassion.
A lifelong servant of God, Fr. Dwyer was not only a respected Augustinian priest but also a beloved educator and mentor who shaped generations of students at Merrimack College. His legacy extends far beyond the walls of any classroom. For those who had the privilege of knowing him, he was a spiritual guide, a thoughtful listener, and a man whose humility and grace touched everyone in his path.
A Legacy of Faith, Knowledge, and Quiet Strength
Fr. Dwyer dedicated decades of his life to Merrimack College, where he wore many hats: professor, spiritual advisor, and pastoral leader. His love for teaching was matched only by his love for people. Students, colleagues, and faculty remember him not just for his theological insight, but for the way he remembered names, asked thoughtful questions, and always had time for one more conversation—even when his days were full.
He was known to begin his lectures with prayer and end them with thought-provoking reflections that stayed with his students long after they left the classroom. His door was always open—literally and figuratively. Whether guiding someone through a crisis of faith or simply sharing a warm cup of tea, Fr. Dwyer believed deeply in the transformative power of presence.
He also played a pivotal role in shaping the college’s mission and values, anchoring Merrimack in its Augustinian roots while encouraging forward-thinking dialogue and inclusion. For Fr. Dwyer, faith and intellect were not in conflict—they were partners in truth.
Mourning a Beloved Teacher and Spiritual Father
As news of his passing spread, tributes flooded in from former students, fellow clergy, and academic peers. Many described Fr. Dwyer as the moral and spiritual compass of their lives—someone who modeled what it meant to live with integrity, humility, and purpose. A candlelight memorial is being planned on campus, and Masses are being offered in his honor across Augustinian communities.
Though he has left this world, Fr. Kevin Dwyer’s spirit will live on in every student he mentored, every homily he gave, and every soul he quietly helped heal. He now rests in the eternal peace he so often preached about—with the God he so faithfully served.
He leaves behind a grieving but grateful community, united by the impact of one extraordinary life.
Rest well, Fr. Kevin Francis Dwyer. You were a light in the darkness, a teacher of truth, and a servant of love. You will never be forgotten.
