Father Gerard A. Trancone, a priest of The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington for more than 50 years and who had a long ministry serving Deaf Catholics in this archdiocese, died July 4 at his residence in Leisure World, Silver Spring, Maryland. He was 80 years old.
Born on Oct. 22, 1942, in Newark, New Jersey to Anthony and Grace (Visco) Trancone, he began his seminary education at Immaculate Conception Seminary in Darlington, New Jersey, and then attended Saint Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, Pennsylvania.
He was ordained a priest of The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington on May 17, 1969, at the Cathedral of Saint Matthew the Apostle.
He was first assigned as parochial vicar at Saint Bernard of Clairvaux Parish in Riverdale Park, Maryland, where he was known for his ministry to the Teen Club and production of the Club’s Broadway review musicals.
In 1972, he was named parochial vicar at Saint John Baptist de la Salle Parish, Chillum, Maryland. While at St. John’s, he became interested in learning American Sign Language (ASL).
After becoming proficient in ASL, in 1978, Father Trancone was appointed chaplain to the Catholic students of Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., with residence at nearby Holy Name Parish.
In 1997, he was also appointed administrator of the Catholic Deaf Center in Landover Hills, Maryland, and in 1999 was appointed director of the renamed archdiocesan Center for Deaf Ministries at Saint Francis of Assist Deaf Catholic Church, Landover Hills, Maryland.
He also served in leadership positions for several professional organizations dedicated to the Deaf and hard of hearing.
For several years, Father Trancone reviewed movies for the Catholic Standard, demonstrating his passion for the theater and movies. He was also the moderator for the Maryknights, the Women’s Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus, Father Rosensteel Council in Silver Spring, Maryland. He also enjoyed traveling with his family, brother priests and parishioners.
Father Trancone retired in 2015 to the Cardinal O’Boyle Residence, and then to the Saint John XXIII Residence and then to a residence in Leisure World.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sisters Mary Lou Trancone and Rose Corbo; his brother-in-law Anthony M. Corbo; and his nephew, Anthony E. Corbo.
Visitation was held on Thursday, July 13 at Saint Bernard of Clairvaux Church, Riverdale Park, Maryland, with a Vigil Mass celebrated later that day. Cardinal Wilton Gregory celebrated a Mass of Christian Burial for Father Trancone at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Church on Friday, July 14. Interment followed at Stonewall Memory Gardens, Manassas, Virginia.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Father Trancone’s memory be made to Saint Vincent Seminary, 300 Fraser Purchase Road, Latrobe, Pennsylvania 15650.
