Background
Larkin, William Thomas was born on March 31, 1923 in Mount Morris, New York, United States. Son of William Thomas and Julia A. (Beuerlein) Larkin.
Larkin, William Thomas was born on March 31, 1923 in Mount Morris, New York, United States. Son of William Thomas and Julia A. (Beuerlein) Larkin.
S.T.D., Angelicum University, Rome, 1949.
Born in Mount Morris, New York, Larkin was ordained to the priesthood on May 15, 1947. He later served as Vicar General of the Diocese of Saint St. Petersburg and interim diocesan administrator, before being appointed the Second Bishop of Saint St. Petersburg on April 17, 1979. Bishop Larkin was formally installed as the diocese"s second bishop on June 28.
A period of tremendous growth occurred during Bishop Larkin"s tenure.
Larkin"s ambitious pastoral plan resulted in the establishment of fifteen new parishes and three new schools. Larkin expanded the outreach of the social ministries of the diocese, established a radio station (WBVM 905 FM), and further sought to keep pace with the population growth and economic expansion of the 1980s.
On November 29, 1988, Larkin retired for health reasons. He died on November 4, 2006.
Bishop Larkin Catholic School (Grades European Commission-3 through 8th) in Portuguese Richey, Florida is named in his honor, as is the Bishop West. Thomas Larkin Pastoral Center in Saint St. Petersburg which has housed the diocese"s main offices since early 2000.
Trustee St. Vincent de Paul Seminary, Boynton Beach, Florida. Member National Conference Catholic Bishops (committee priestly life and ministry), Canon Law Society.