02/09/2026
Father Anthony (Tony) Bluett
September 12, 1945 – February 9, 2026
Ordained to the Priesthood for the Diocese of Orlando on June 7, 1969
Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served,
but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many (Mt 20:28).
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Father Anthony (Tony) Bluett who died very peacefully this morning from complications due to a diagnosis of cancer. Father Tony had retired to Effin, Ardpatrick, Limerick Diocese and at his death was in the care of those serving at Milford Care Centre, Limerick.
Born to Thomas and Nora (nee Watson) Bluett on September 12, 1945, in Limerick, Ireland, Father Tony was one of 8 children, five brothers and two sisters. He attended elementary, high school, and college in Ireland, receiving his degree in Theology from St. Patrick’s College, Thurles, Ireland. He went on for graduate studies at Barry University, Miami, Florida where he received an M.A. in Religious Education.
He was ordained in the Thurles Cathedral at the hands of Archbishop Thomas Morris of Cashel. At his first celebration of Mass after receiving the Sacrament of Holy Orders, Father Tony Bluett was joined by four of his brothers who were also priests. One of those brothers, now retired Monsignor John Bluett, serves in the Diocese of Orlando.
After Ordination, he served the people of God within the communities of St. Mary Catholic Church, Rockledge; Catholic Central High School, Melbourne; Blessed Trinity, Orlando; St. Joseph Catholic Church, Winter Haven; St. Luke Catholic Church, Barefoot Bay; and his last assignment before retirement was as pastor of Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Lake Wales. He retired on October 20, 2012. Father Tony also served as Director of Episcopal/Catholic Apartments, Winter Haven; Vicar Forane of the Western Deanery; and on the Diocese of Orlando College of Consultors. After retirement, he returned to Ireland and continued to lead God’s holy people in faith, hope and love.
Father Tony’s ministry was answering God’s call to lead His people to Him. His deep faith brought the people to know, love and serve God. On his fiftieth anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood, Father Tony applauded those he served, “The people you meet along the way, they made you feel worthwhile…I wouldn’t have survived without them.” He lived by the words of his favorite Scripture, “Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mt 20:28).
Father Tony Bluett is predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Nora, brother Tom, and nephew Jim. A Requiem Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 11, 2:00 p.m. (GMT) at Our Lady Queen of Peace, V35 FC89, Effin followed by burial in Effin Cemetery. The Mass will be livestreamed and can be found at this link, https://www.youtube.com/live/kw5lV74lXhA. Donations may be made in his name to Milford Care Centre, https://milfordcarecentre.ie/donate-now/.
