WEST COLUMBIA — Msgr. Roy Francis Aiken, a retired priest of the Diocese of Charleston, died July 4 at Still Hopes Episcopal Home. He was 87.
The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by Bishop Robert J. Baker on July 10 in St. Peter Church in Columbia. Interment was in the church cemetery.
Msgr. Aiken was born Nov. 28, 1918, in Greenville, a son of Newman and Ellie Pressley Aiken. He was a graduate of Spring Hill College in Mobile, Ala. Msgr. Aiken received his theological degree from St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, Md. He was ordained a priest in 1946 by Most Rev. Emmet M. Walsh, bishop of Charleston, at St. Francis de Sales Church in New York.
During the course of his service in the Diocese of Charleston, Msgr. Aiken served as pastor of St. Anthony Church in Walterboro, St. Peter Church, St. John the Beloved Church in Summerville and St. Mary, Help of Christians Church in Aiken. He was secretary to Bishop Russell in Charleston, and was the first editor of the diocesan newspaper, The Catholic Banner. He also served on the faculties of Ursuline High School and Cardinal Newman High School, both in Columbia, and St. Angela Academy in Aiken.
Msgr. Aiken served as director of finances for the diocese. He was a member of the board of directors of the North American Liturgical Association and was president of the Summerville Chamber of Commerce. Following his retirement in 1993, he served at Our Lady of the Hills Church, St. Joseph Church and Cardinal Newman High School, all in Columbia.
He is survived by his brother, Edward Aiken. Condolences may be sent to Helen Crifasi and Agnes Sterker at 122 Kings Highway, Hackettstown, NJ 07840.
Memorials may be made to St. Peter Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 1896, Columbia, SC 29201.