Deacon Paul Francis Carmody, a permanent deacon, died Nov. 21, 2016, at age 75.

He was born on Sept. 12, 1941, to John and Lenore (McGrath) Carmody. He graduated from Bishop Timon High School in Buffalo in 1959, joined the U.S. Army Reserves for six years and trained at Fort Sam Houston in Texas, where he received specialized training as a combat medic.

Deacon Carmody received bachelor's and master's degrees from Canisius College in Buffalo, after which he received New York state certification to serve as a high school English teacher and guidance counselor. He worked at Seneca Vocational High School in Buffalo for a total of 34 years, where he taught Regents and senior English. He also served as a home and hospital instructor.

In 1997, Bishop Henry J. Mansell ordained Deacon Carmody a deacon of the Diocese of Buffalo. Subsequently, he was assigned to Holy Family Church in South Buffalo, and then served for another 15 years at Blessed Sacrament Church in Buffalo. Deacon Carmody served patients at nursing homes, trained Eucharistic ministers, and served as a lecturer at Christ the King Seminary in East Aurora.

He was the brother of Mary (Rosario) Nola; Dr. Patrick (Patricia) Carmody; the late Father Emeric, William (Mary Ann) and Dr. Seamus (Barbara) Carmody, and late Theresa (late John) English. He is also survived by nieces and nephews.

A funeral Mass was held at Blessed Sacrament Church, with burial in Holy Cross Cemetery in Lackawanna.