By Nicole Hamilton
The Cincinnati Enquirer

BURLINGTON - As pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, the Rev. Jerome Charles Britt presided over numerous services.

But his blessings weren't limited to those in the congregation.

Father Britt readily extended his message to anyone. He visited nursing homes, attended youth meetings, and even bless pets.

"One of the ways (people show their love for their pets) is by bringing them to a blessing," Father Britt told the Enquirer in 1999.

Father Britt died in his sleep Saturday at his Burlington residence. He was 47.

"He was born to be a priest, and he held the teachings of the church in reverence," said his brother, Timothy A. Britt of Alexandria. "People will remember him for his dedication to the church and parish ... He was very happy in his vocation."

Raised in Bellevue and Fort Thomas, Father Britt was salutatorian of his class at Newport Catholic in 1974 and studied for four years at St. Pius X Seminary in Erlanger.

He then spent four years at St. Mary Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md., before returning to Covington, where he began serving with the Covington Diocese.

From 1982 until 1986, he served as associate pastor of St. Paul Church in Florence, and he went on to serve in the same capacity at St. Joseph Church in Crescent Springs.

Father Britt was associate pastor at St. Thomas Church in Fort Thomas and St. Agnes Church in Fort Wright before becoming pastor at Immaculate Heart of Mary in Burlington in 1995.

An animal lover, he had four dogs - three he rescued from the pound - and a cockatoo named Dominique.

Father Britt also served on the Catholic Committee on Scouting.

Besides his brother, other survivors include his parents, Elizabeth and Charles Britt of Fort Thomas; two sisters, Janet M. Weinel and Mary Britt, both of Fort Thomas; and friend Sister of the Congregation of Divine Providence Armella Pietrowski. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 5876 Veterans Way, Burlington.

A second visitation will be 8:30-9:45 a.m. Wednesday at Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption in Covington, 1140 Madison Avenue. Mass of Christian burial will follow at 10 a.m.

Burial will be on the grounds of St. Pius X Seminary, Erlanger.

Memorials can be made to Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Building Fund, 5876 Veterans Way, Burlington, 41005. .

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Email nhamilton@enquirer.com