The Rev. John "Jack" Newton, 85, died Feb. 6.

Known for myriad jokes before, after and even during Mass, Newton performed services here until about 18 months ago, when illness took over.

His eldest sister, Hazel Barr, now 92, said besides being a joker, he was also a movie buff, with a love of film that began with their regular moviegoing outings on Saturdays as children.

"We're cleaning out so many books on the Oscars ... and joke books," Barr said. "He still went to the movies, and watched old movies on TV."

Born the only son of a mailman and glove seamstress, John and Louise Newton of Long Island, N.Y., Newton started his long life of service when he volunteered to become a sailor during World War II.

Stationed on the same ship his entire naval career, it was never bombed, Barr recalled.

He later studied at Fordham University, then St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore.

Because they had an aunt who was a nun, "it wasn't a surprise when he announced he was going to be a priest," she said.

The family attended church religiously — a pun Newton would have enjoyed.

Ordained in 1953, Newton served in several parishes until 1956, when became a Navy chaplain. He served in 14 assignments including at Pearl Harbor, Barbers Point and Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

Newton retired from the Navy in 1983 but remained in Hawai'i. He served at several parishes, and in 1989 became a regular at St. John Vianney Church. He was also the port chaplain for the Diocese of Honolulu until recently.

Visitation will be 9:30 to 11 a.m. Thursday at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Enchanted Lake, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 11 a.m. Burial at sea by the U.S. Navy takes place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. John Vianney.