Most Reverend Robert J. Banks

With unwavering faith in the Resurrection of our Lord, we offer our prayers for the Most Reverend Robert J. Banks, Bishop Emeritus of Green Bay, who died peacefully on Sunday, January 25, 2026. Bishop Banks was 97 years old, having been a priest for 73 years (1952) and a Bishop for 40 years (1985). At the time of his death, he was among the nation’s oldest Bishops.

Bishop Banks was born on February 26, 1928, in Boston, MA. He was the son of Robert J. Banks and Rita K. (Sullivan) Banks. He studied at Winthrop Parish Schools and Cathedral High School, Boston. Bishop attended St. John’s Seminary in Brighton, MA (1945-1949) and the Pontifical North American College and Gregorian University, Rome, (1949-1953) where he received his Licentiate in Sacred Theology (S.T.L.). He completed his Doctor of Canon Law (J.C.D.) at the Lateran University also in Rome (1954-1957).

Bishop was ordained to the priesthood at Rome’s Lateran Basilica on December 20, 1952. He would go on to generously serve the Archdiocese of Boston as a priest/pastor from 1953-1984. He taught Canon Law at St. John Seminary from 1959-1971 and later served as Rector from 1971-1981. He served as Advocate and Judge for the Tribunal of the Archdiocese from 1961-1990. He also served as Vicar General for the Archdiocese from 1984-1990.

He was ordained a Bishop on September 19, 1985, at Holy Cross Cathedral in Boston, MA. He would serve as auxiliary Bishop of Boston until October 16, 1990, when Bishop Banks was appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Green Bay. He was installed as the 10th Bishop of the Diocese on Dec. 5, 1990, and would faithfully serve until his retirement, Oct. 10, 2003, when Bishop David Zubik was named his successor.

Bishop Banks served on a number of national committees and wrote many articles for various theological and religious publications. Other national work included:

• Member of the U.S. Catholic Conference Committee on Education 1990-1993
• Consultor to the Holy See’s Permanent Interdicasterial Commission for the Distribution of Priests, 1992
• Board of Trustees, Catholic University of America, 1993-1997
• Chairperson, National Conference of Catholic Bishops (NCCB) Committee on Education, 1993-1996
• Member, NCCB Administrative Board, 1993-1996
• Treasurer, NCCB, 1996-1999
• Chairperson, National Catholic Educational Association, 1997-2000
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Bishop Banks was preceded in death by Robert J. Banks (father) and Rita K. (Sullivan) Warnock (mother), Olen Warnock (stepfather) and Alan Warnock (stepbrother). He is survived by Mary Parker (stepsister) and Ann Fisher (stepsister).

The Diocese would especially like to thank his caregivers: Bishop Morneau, Terri Wickman, Sr. Diane Baumann, Sr. Marla Clercx, Jane Schueller, Chris Diedrich, Sharon Manahan, Cindy Bell, Sue Dewane, Cindi Gerrits and Gloria Koth for their generous and faithful care of Bishop Banks over these many years. We are profoundly grateful.

The Diocese also wishes to recognize those who supported Bishop in his home: Sr. Carmelyn Gentrup, Sr. Stephanie Spence, Sr. Donalise Popelka, Sr. Laura Zelten, Sr. Ann Rehrauer, Cindi Brawner and Fr. Dennis Ryan. Thank you.

Reception of the Body and Solemn Vespers will be celebrated for family, priests, deacons and consecrated religious of the diocese on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 6:00 PM, at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, 139 S. Madison St, Green Bay, WI. The Most Reverend David L. Ricken will preside with Fr. Willard Van de Loo offering a homily.

Visitation, open to all the faithful, will be held at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, 139 S. Madison St., Green Bay, on Friday, February 6, 2026, beginning at 8:00 AM.

The Mass of Christian Burial, open to all the faithful, will begin at 11:00 AM, Friday, February 6, following visitation, with the Most Reverend David L. Ricken, Bishop of Green Bay, as celebrant and the Most Reverend Robert F. Morneau as homilist. Burial will follow in the Allouez Catholic Cemetery.

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Bishop Robert J. Banks who was an outstanding shepherd of the flock entrusted to his care.