Deacon Luke J. Hally was born in Manhattan and raised in Queens, New York. After 18 years in Huntington, Long Island, he and his family moved to Basking Ridge.

He was ordained a deacon in the Rockville Center Diocese on May 31, 1980. Deacon Luke received his theological training at Immaculate Conception Seminary in Huntington, Long Island and served at Saint Elizabeth’s Parish in South Huntington, from May 1980 until February 1983, when he began his ministry at Saint James, Basking Ridge.

In addition to serving as deacon at Masses, Deacon Luke gave homilies, performed baptisms every fourth Sunday, supervised the RCIA program, taught adult and CCD Confirmation classes, presided over wake and burial services, witnessed marriages, and performed para-liturgical services at the request of the pastor. He was also involved with the Divorced/ Separated ministry and ran the parish golf outings for ten years.

Deacon Luke spent 17 years serving on the Diocesan Deaconate Advisory Board and the Diaconate Personnel Board. He was Chairman of the Diaconate Personnel Board (2003-2004) and was Diaconate Director for the Diocese (1996-2000).

A graduate of Augustinian Academy in Staten Island, Deacon Luke has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint John’s University. He did graduate work at New York University (accounting) and Stanford University (engineering). He was a Division Manager at New York Telephone Company, a Senior Vice President at Edward S. Gordon, Executive Vice President of COAP Planning, and a Director at Bell Communications Research. He has been retired from the business world since 1992. His hobbies include golf and reading.

Deacon Luke and his wife, Maureen, were married on June 2, 1962 and blessed with three daughters and eight grandchildren. Maureen is a registered nurse with a Bachelor of Science degree and is a Certified Healing Touch Practitioner as well as a Certified Occupational Health Nurse-Specialist. She is an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and is active in the Music Ministry and the Consolation Ministry at Saint James.

Deacon Luke retired from active ministry in July 2016 after 36 years of service. He now does volunteer work at Morristown Memorial Hospital and hospice work with the VNA of Somerset County. He performs baptisms and officiates at weddings upon request.