update: The Medical Examiner has ruled the man died of skull fractures after falling behind the church, and that hypothermia was also a factor.
This letter is from Deacon Jack Shea at Sts. John and Paul:
By now, many of you have heard of the tragic death of one of our elderly parishioners.
Henry Malgrande, 86 years old, was a parishioner of SJP for many years. Henry had arranged to have a Mass celebrated on Sunday (2/14) at 10:30 am, for his beloved wife Alice who predeceased him. Sunday was their wedding anniversary. Late Saturday evening, Henry came to the church and more than likely he was confused about the PM/AM hour. It seems that in the bitter cold of that evening, Henry suffered hypothermia and was found dead, at the side doors of our church on Sunday morning. His tragic death is a reminder to all of us of the risks and dangers that are present in the lives of elderly persons who live alone. Henry was a loyal and faithful parishioner. Until the week before he died, he was helping with counting the collection each week. He will be missed by many.
Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him.
Town of Mamaroneck Police say the circumstances surrounding the apparent death of an elderly man found behind Sts. John and Paul Church, “do not appear to be suspicious.” An investigation is underway.
The body was discovered after 7:00 am Sunday morning behind the church at 280 Weaver Street. His precise age was not available and it is not clear whether harsh weather conditions may have contributed to his death, police say.
News 12 is reporting the man was Henry Malgrande, 85, a parishioner of the church.
Public records show Malgrande lived at 758 Forest Ave. in Larchmont.
Members of parish say he was a beloved member of their community, possibly at the church Sunday morning to attend an early service.