Rev. William Francis Modlin

AUGUSTA – The Rev. William Francis Modlin, 91, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, at the Elizabeth Seton Residence in Wellesley, Mass., following a long illness. Born in Aulander, N.C., on Jan. 11, 1935, he was the son of the late William and Mary (Malina) Modlin.

Fr. Modlin was educated at St. Aeddan’s and Lincoln High School in Jersey City, N.J., later attending the University of New Haven. He earned both his Bachelor of Arts (1971) and master’s degree (1973) from Goddard College before completing his priestly studies at Pope John XXIII Seminary in Weston, Mass., graduating in 1996.

Before entering the priesthood, he served two years with the New Jersey National Guard. He initially entered the Congregation of the Holy Cross after high school, remaining with the community until 1977. In 1992, he began formation for the Diocese of Portland.

Fr. Modlin was ordained a Deacon on May 21, 1995, and a Priest on June 1, 1996. Over the course of his ministry, he faithfully served in a wide range of assignments across Maine. His priestly service included Prison Ministry at the Maine State Prison, Maine Correctional Institution, Maine Youth Center, and Maine Correctional Center (1996-1998); Chaplaincy at the Togus VA Medical Center (1998-1999); Pastor of St. Anthony Parish in Jackman (1999-2006); and Pastor of Holy Family Parish in Greenville (2003-2006).

He later served as Parochial Vicar in multiple parishes, including St. Augustine, St. Mary, St. Andrew (Augusta), St. Joseph (Gardiner), St. Denis (Whitefield), St. Francis Xavier (Winthrop), and St. Leo (Litchfield). He continued his ministry with St. Michael Parish in Augusta until his retirement in 2011.

He is survived by a sister, Mary Modlin of New Jersey.

A Vigil with Reception of the Body will be held at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 25, at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Western Avenue, Augusta, where visitation will continue until 6 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 26, at the same church. Burial will take place in the spring at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Winthrop Street, Augusta.

Arrangements are entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta. Condolences, stories, and photos may be shared at http://www.plummerfh.com.