Monsignor Thomas Joseph Millane was born on April 18, 1936 in Clarks-Summit, Pennsylvania to parents Miles and Marjorie Millane, and siblings Mary, James, Edward, and Bobby Millane. Monsignor Millane grew up and attended elementary, middle school, and high school in Johnson City, New York. He studied at St. Mary’s College in Kentucky, and later attended Seminary at Christ the King in St. Bonaventure, New York. Monsignor Millane was ordained on May 18, 1963 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, in Syracuse, New York.
Monsignor Millane’s ministry in the Diocese of Tucson was notable for his exceptional service to the Diocese and the parish communities where he lived and provided ministry. Monsignor Millane began his tenure in the Diocese of Tucson on October 23, 1964, when he began as an Assistant Pastor at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Morenci, Arizona. He thereafter served as an Assistant Pastor at St. Joseph Catholic Parish, Tucson; St. Odilia Catholic Church, Tucson; and at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church, Sierra Vista.
In January 1975, Monsignor Millane became a Pastor at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church. While there, Monsignor Millane became known for his ability to bridge divides and bring together parishioners from all walks of life into an active and vibrant parish community. In the early 1970s, the Diocese of Tucson purchased several acres of land with the intent of building a new church, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, on the northwest side of Tucson. Monsignor Millane became the founding Pastor of the new parish and assumed his duties on January 16, 1980. The construction of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton was not completed until September 18, 1982.
At the time the new Parish first opened, the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton parish community comprised of approximately 85 families. Under Monsignor Millane’s care and leadership, the number of families continued to grow until the Masses at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton were standing room only. Under his continued leadership, a larger church was later constructed at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, now capable of seating over 1,700 faithful. In 2002, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton also welcomed the addition of its school, which continues in operation to date. Monsignor Millane continuously and tirelessly served the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton community from 1980 when he was first assigned there, until he retired on June 30, 2006 – a period of over 26 years. At the time of his retirement from active ministry, Bishop Kicanas bestowed upon Monsignor Millane the title of “Pastor Emeritus of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish.”
In addition to serving his parish communities, Monsignor Millane also served as a Vicar Forane in five (5) separate terms, as a Director on the Board of Directors for the Priests’ Assurance Corporation, as a Knight Commander of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem (1991), and participated in the Western Lieutenancy’s Super Pilgrimage. In 2009, Monsignor Millane was named Chaplain to His Holiness by Pope Benedict XVI, earning the title of “Monsignor.” Monsignor Millane was known for his good humor and positive outlook on life, and his dedication and thoughtfulness was often noted by those who knew and worked closely with him. In one correspondence, then-Bishop Manuel Moreno recognized Monsignor Millane’s support of deacons, acknowledging Monsignor Millane as “truly a Deacon’s pastor.” Parishioners, too, sent letters commending Monsignor Millane’s pastoral care, including one stating: “Father Millane finds the time if one is in tears or troubled to talk and will comfort that individual…He has heart, he is compassionate, understanding and above all, kind.”
Monsignor Millane is preceded in death by Miles and Marjorie Millane, Mary Millane, and Bobby Millane. He is survived by family James Millane (Inez), Antonio Mendibles, Chastina Mendibles, Elian Mendibles, Angelo Jaurique, Aaliyah Jaurique, Edward Millane, Samantha Millane, Carmeron Miles Millane, Danny Millane (Karne), Hunter Millane, numerous cousins, and the innumerable families whose lives he touched.
Funeral Liturgies will be celebrated at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (8650 N. Shannon Road, Tucson, Arizona 85742) on Monday, October 21, 2024, and will include a time of visitation at 10:30 a.m. and Rosary beginning at 11:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 p.m. A reception will be held at Corpus Christi Parish following internment.