Fr. Peter J. Gough's Obituary
Rev. P.J. Gough, the venerable and esteemed pastor of St. Mary's R.C. Church, Upper Pittston, died yesterday afternoon at 2 o'clock. He had been ill for a long time, dating back for a year and a half, when he suffered a general breakdown. Being advised by Bishop Hoban, he was given a rest that he might recuperate. He traveled extensively with the hope that he might be benefited.
Returning to his parish in July, he was given an assistant and at that time it was thought he was on the road to recovery. His health was such that he supervised the affairs of the parish since his return, while the assistant looked after the detail of the work of the parish.
Five years ago, Father Gough assumed the pastorate of St. Mary's, succeeding Rev. Dr. Lucas. He was an exemplary man and devoted his entire energy in building up the parish to its present high standard.
He was a student all his life and after his ordination served as teacher of Greek and Latin in St. Thomas College. His work in St. Mary's parish, where he was beloved by all denominations, is a lasting monument to his memory of the beautiful parochial residence erected since he assumed charge. The parish also purchased an additional plot of ground running from the priest's house to a corner, that insures for the parish for all time enough land for school or convent. He was kind and affable and those seeking his advice on matters pertaining to parish work or home life always profited by his counsel.
Father Gough was aged 52 [sic]. His native home was in Philadelphia. He was ordained to the priesthood in St. Peter's Cathedral, Scranton, by the late Bishop O'Hara in 1893.
The bishop afterward appointed him to the faculty of St. Thomas College, where he taught Greek and Latin for five years. He was afterward appointed an assistant to Father Broderick at Susquehanna. He was later assigned to the pastorate at Nicholson, where he served for ten years.
In 1911, he came to Pittston, succeeding Rev. Dr. Lucas, who was transferred to Scranton. Those at his bedside when he passed away were his two sisters, Sister Angela and Miss Alice Gough; also Rev. J.J. O'Donnell of St. Mark's parish, Inkerman; Rev. M.E. Loftus of St. John's and Rev. E.H. Burke, assistant pastor of St. Mary's.
Father Gough is survived by two sisters and one brother -- Sister Angela of St. Mary's Convent, Wilkes-Barre; Miss Alice Gough, who had been serving her brother as housekeeper; and John Gough, a Hazleton businessman. Rt. Rev. Bishop Hoban of Scranton came to this city immediately after being notified that Father Gough had passed away and conferred with the members of his family in regard to the arrangements for the funeral.
(...) At 10 o'clock a solemn high mass of requiem will be sung. It will be a pontifical mass and will be sung by Rt. Rev. Bishop M.J. Hoban, who will also deliver the funeral sermon. Following the services, [Fr. Gough] will be taken to Hazleton, where interment will be in the family plot.
(Wilkes-Barre Record, Tuesday, 19 Dec 1916)