John Francis Hackett

John Francis Hackett (December 7, 1911 – May 30, 1990) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church in the United States. He served as an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Hartford in Connecticut from 1953 to 1986.

Biography

Early life Hackett was born on December 7, 1911, in New Haven, Connecticut, one of seven children of Thomas J. and Anne (Whalen) Hackett. He received his early education at public schools in New Haven, including Lovell School and Hillhouse High School. In 1929, he began his studies for the priesthood at St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield, Connecticut. Following his return to Connecticut, Hackett was assigned as a curate at St. Aloysius Parish in New Canaan, Connecticut, where he remained for nine years. From 1945 to 1952, he served as secretary to Bishop Henry Joseph O'Brien and assistant chancellor of the diocese. The Diocese of Hartford was elevated to an archdiocese in August of that year.

Hackett served as a board member of Saint Francis Hospital in Hartford, St. Mary's Hospital in Waterbury, Connecticut, and the Hospital of St. Raphael in New Haven. He also served as president of the New England Conference of Catholic Hospitals and chair of the New England Regional Conference of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Retirement and death Hackett retired as auxiliary bishop of Hartford on December 7, 1986. He died from cancer at St. Francis Hospital, at age 78.