Tributes

It is with great sadness that the Diocese of Fresno announces the death of Rev. Monsignor John Coelho-Harguindeguy on June 13, 2023 at the Nazareth House in Fresno, California. Msgr. John was ordained April 29, 1967 by Most. Rev. Aloysius Willinger, D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Monterey-Fresno. He attended seminary at St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo, California from 1961 to 1967. A native of the Central Valley, Msgr. John was born on the family dairy in Lemoore, California to John Coelho and Gelminia Berberia. After his father’s passing, Msgr. John was lovingly adopted by the father who raised him, Martin Harguindeguy. Monsignor served in many parishes throughout the Diocese of Fresno. His first appointment was as an Assistant at St. Francis Cabrini in Huron where he felt at home on the west side of the valley. Soon thereafter, his spiritual journey of priesthood led him to many other phenomenal parishes – 11 to be exact. When asked which parish was his favorite, he mentioned they all were but one that resonated with him the most was his first appointment as a Pastor at Holy Ghost, now Our Lady of Miracles, in Gustine, California. His reasoning was not only the ability to celebrate mass in English, Spanish and Portuguese, but the feel of the love and support from the community made him feel at home. He was also proud to bring back the Parochial School after 14 years of being closed. During his priestly journey, he served at St. Anthony in Atwater, the Shrine of St. Therese, St. Joseph’s in Los Banos, Our Lady of Lourdes in Corcoran, Our Lady of Mercy, Sacred Heart and St. Patrick’s in Merced, and as Rector of St. John’s Cathedral and Pastor of St. Anthony of Padua in Fresno. On January 16, 1996, Father John, at the time, was presented by His Holiness John Paul II with the Prelate of Honor. On his final appointment, Monsignor was proud of one of his most major accomplishments – the building of the new St. Peter Prince of the Apostles Catholic Church in his hometown of Lemoore. In his own words, “it was the fulfillment of dream to build a church.” He took pride of being a priest of the people, for the people. Amidst the busy life of priesthood, Monsignor always made sure to make time for his parishioners. It was important to him to be present for his community. Monsignor is preceded in death by his parents; his brother Salvador Harguindeguy in 2019 and by a nephew, Marty Harguindeguy. He is survived by his brother, Martin Harguindeguy and his wife Mary of Fresno; his sister-in-law Corlane Harguindeguy and many nieces, nephews and extended family members. The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to his dear friends, Victor and Noemi Baca and his brother Priests throughout the Diocese of Fresno. Visitation will be held at Chapel of the Light Funeral Home on Thursday, June 29, 2023 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monsignor will lay in state at St. John’s Cathedral on Thursday, June 29, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A vigil service will commence at 7:00 p.m. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church on Friday, June 30, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery.

Tributes

Rev. Monsignor John Anthony Coelho-Harguindeguy

April 17, 1941 - June 13, 2023