Monthly Newspaper • DIOCESE OF BRIDGEPORT

BROOKFIELD—Antoinette Gloria Bosco, 91, of Brookfield, died peacefully in her home on March 20, 2020 with her devoted daughter, Margee Minier by her side. She was born in Rome, New York on September 18, 1928, daughter of the late Joseph and Mary (Sgambellone) Oppedisano of Albany, NY, and mother of seven children. She lived the fullness of her years, left her family with endless memories and our world with her tremendous legacy.

Antoinette Bosco was a prize-winning journalist, magazine writer and author of 17 books, and for more than three decades a syndicated columnist for the national Catholic News Service. Her work appeared in magazines such as Ladies Home Journal, Women’s Day, Reader’s Digest, Guideposts, Writer’s Digest, Catholic Digest, and Parade. Her contributions included thousands of columns and newspaper articles written during her 11-year tenure as Editor at The Long Island Catholic and as Executive Editor of The Litchfield County Times in Connecticut for 13 years. She was also a contributor to Fairfield County Catholic.

A 1950 graduate of the College of Saint Rose with a bachelor’s degree in Science and Chemistry, Bosco went on to earn a master’s degree in Liberal Studies from the State University of New York at Stony Brook in 1970. From 1972 to 1982, she served as Associate Director of Community Relations and Assistant Professor of Clinical Health Sciences at SUNY Stony Brook. In 1992 she completed a course of religious studies at Oxford University. She served for five years as Suffolk County Human Rights Commissioner on Long Island.

Bosco received 12 awards in the Editorial Page Column and News Feature categories from the Society of Professional Journalists-Connecticut Chapter; first place award for County Life from the National Newspaper Association, New England Press Association prize for Religious Writing, the Connecticut Psychiatric Society and Department of Mental Health, the American Osteopathic Association, and was 1st place national winner in the University of Missouri J.C. Penney Lifestyle Journalism Awards. She served on the Advisory Board of Woman magazine in Connecticut and was for many years a judge for books on spirituality for the Catholic Press Association. She served on the journalism faculty of the University of Connecticut-Torrington, and was a conference panelist for the American Society of Journalists and Authors. Her Op-Ed articles were published in The New York Times, the Times Union (Albany, NY), The Hartford Courant, and the Danbury News Times. Bosco’s frequent speaking engagements included over 250 talks on journalism, human rights, spirituality and a numerous areas of social justice.

Upon the tragic deaths of sons and a daughter-in-law, she shared her grief in her book, “Finding Peace Through Pain: The True Story of a Journey into Joy.” In recognition of her “determination, enduring spirit, and professional accomplishments”, The College of Saint Rose conferred upon her the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters in 1996. Bosco was the subject of numerous newspaper features and a guest of many television talk shows. For her tireless work to end the death penalty she received the Connecticut Network to Abolish the Death Penalty’s Walter Everett Humanitarian Award. For her 2001 book entitled, “Choosing Mercy: A Mother of Murder Victims Pleads to End the Death Penalty” she won the prestigious Christopher Award for artists whose work “affirms the highest values of the human spirit.”

Newsday called Bosco’s “The Pummeled Heart” a spiritual classic that might be inspiring decades or even centuries from now. More information about her timeless books is available at www.AntoinetteBosco.com. Donations to support Alzheimer’s research in honor of Antoinette Bosco may be made online here.

Antoinette will be sadly missed by her four cherished children, Paul J. (Elvira) of Brooklyn, NY, Mary C. (Richard) van Valkenburg of Hobart, NY, Margaret (Margee) B. Minier of Brookfield, Francis X. (Judith) Bosco of New York, NY, and daughter-in-law Bernadette Bosco of Tinley Park, IL.

She was predeceased by her sons, Peter I. Bosco, John D. Bosco and Sterling Bosco.

Antoinette was the second of eight children. She is survived by two brothers and two sisters, James Oppedisano (Barb Hammerli) of Longs, SC, Jeannette Oppedisano (Kenneth Laird) of Castleton- on-Hudson, NY, Richard (Rose) Oppedisano of Latham, NY, and Nancy (Joe) Andre of Albany, NY. She was predeceased by her beloved siblings Rosemary (Frank) Grieco of Albany, NY, Joseph (Jodi) of Albany, NY and Loretta Kelly of Albany, NY.

She is survived by fifteen (15) grandchildren: Dominic Bosco-Lauth of Elizabeth, CO, Angela Bosco-Lauth (Nicole Henery) of Fort Collins, CO, Florian A. Minier (Bina Chauhan) of Austin, TX, Mikaël Antoine Minier, Sophia van Valkenburg of New York, NY, Talia (Sam) Wilo of Kingston, NY, Gabriel Bosco of New York, NY, John P. Bosco of Brooklyn, NY, Larry (Colleen) Bosco of Morris, Il, Bonnie (Dave) Miller of Woodridge, Il, Gregory (Mary) Bosco of Meridian, ID, Julie Bosco-Siegal of Hobart, IN, Patrick (Rebecca) Bosco of Chicago Heights, IL and Steven (Sara) Bosco of Tinley Park, IL. and was predeceased by granddaughter Wendy Bosco Bowman

She is also survived by 21 great-grandchildren : Eliphalet Bosco, Coralee Bosco, Lea Mieko Antoinette Minier, Amy Miller-Koenig (Nicholas), Stacy B. Miller, Brett Rodgers, Kristen Rose (Jason)Sullivan, Phillip (Annie) Bosco, Megan (Micah) Rockwell, Melissa (Justin) Nichols, Mitchell Siegal, predeceased by great-grandson Matthew Sterling Siegal, Elizabeth Siegal, Connie (Roland) Burke, Mikaela Bosco, Seth Bosco, Colin Bosco, Riley Bosco, Jake Bosco, Abigail Bosco, and Kylie Bosco

And eight great-great-grandchildren : Susan Koenig, Lucia Koenig, Mercy Rockwell, Justice
Rockwell, Taylor Burke, Brian Burke, Jason Burk, Eric Burke Antoinette also had dozens of beloved nieces and nephews along with their extended families in Albany, NY and spread across the entire United States.

A Celebration of Antoinette’s life will take place at a later date.

To leave a condolence for the family please visit www.BrookfieldFuneralHome.com

Information courtesy of Cornell Memorial Home

BRIDGEPORT—It is with great sadness that the Diocese of Bridgeport has learned of the passing of Francis Lori, the father of Archbishop William Lori, fourth Bishop of the Diocese of Bridgeport, at the age of 98.

Bishop Frank J. Caggiano has asked that all the faithful throughout the Diocese of Bridgeport pray for the repose of the Soul of Francis Lori, and for the consolation of Archbishop Lori and his entire family.

Francis Lori died on February 24 in Indiana, surrounded by the archbishop and other members of his family. He had been battling pneumonia.

Francis Lori served his country on a U.S. Navy ship that ferried ammunition to the Battle of Okinawa. After World War II, he married Margaret (née Caradonna); the couple celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary in January. The archbishop’s father spent 38 years with AT&T as a lineman, telephone installer, foreman and equipment manager.

Visitation is Wednesday, February 26, 4-7 pm at Diversicare of Providence, 4915 Charlestown Road, New Albany, Indiana. The Funeral Mass is at the same location on Thursday, February 27 at 10 am. Interment will be at Kraft-Graceland Memorial Park.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

Most Rev. William E. Lori
Archdiocese of Baltimore
320 Cathedral Street
Baltimore, MD 21201

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Volunteers of America, Mid-States, 2676 Charlestown Road, Suite #11, New Albany, IN, 47150.

Click to read the full obituary of Francis Lori.

TRUMBULL—Ilene F. Ianniello, age 78, of Trumbull, beloved wife of Deacon Daniel J. Ianniello, passed away peacefully Sunday, January 26, 2020 holding the hand of her beloved husband of 58 years.

Born in the Bronx, NY, the daughter of the late Lincoln Wiseman and Gertrude Morse, she had been an area resident for the last 59 years. Ilene received her BS degree in Business Administration from the University of Bridgeport and worked for many years passionately helping non-profits, legal offices, churches, and private businesses with their bookkeeping and business needs.

Ilene was very involved in her Catholic faith and the various churches where she worshipped. She was a devoted volunteer for St. Raphael’s School, Operation Hope and Pivot Ministries and very active and a founding President of the Deacon’s Wives Ministries that supports many ministries including providing the opportunity for inner-city children to travel to New York City to see a Broadway Play.

Ilene will be lovingly remembered as an out-going, friendly woman who was always ready and willing to help those in need. Survivors in addition to her loving husband Deacon Dan include three beloved children, Daniel J. Ianniello, Jr. (Margaret) of Southbury, Sue Ianniello of Shelton and Anne Ianniello of West Long Branch, NJ; three cherished grandchildren, Tanya Vasquez (Hector), Michael Ianniello and J.D. Ianniello; step-great granddaughter, Leanette Vasquez; two loving great-grandchildren, Niko and Dominik; three brothers, Alan Wiseman (Paula), Michael Morse (Mary) and Melvin Morse (Carol); two sisters, Sarah Kathan (David) and Gale Morse (Jay) and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, February 3, 2020 at 11:00 am at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 149 South Pine Creek Road, Fairfield. Interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Trumbull. Friends may greet the family Sunday from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm in the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield. In lieu of flowers contributions in Ilene’s memory may be made to St. Raphael’s School, 324 Frank Street, Bridgeport, CT 06604 or to the Deacon’s Wives Ministries, c/o 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield, CT 06824. For information please visit www.SpearFuneralHome.com

NEW CANAAN—Monsignor Thaddeus F. Malanowski died on Thursday, January 23, at Waveny Care Center in New Canaan.

Named after the famous Polish General and American patriot Thaddeus Kosciuszko, he himself became a Brigadier General. Msgr. Thaddeus Malanowski was a retired Brigadier General in the United States Army and native son of Stamford’s Holy Name of Jesus Parish.

He celebrated the 70th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood on May 28, 2017 at Holy Name of Jesus Church.

Monsignor was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Hartford on May 15, 1947 and was incardinated into the Diocese of Norwich when it was established in 1953.

One of 14 children, Msgr. Malanowski lived at the Catherine Dennis Keefe Queen of the Clergy Residence in Stamford from April 2009 until shortly before his death.

Monsignor Malanowski’s body will be received at Holy Name of Jesus Church in Stamford (325 Washington Boulevard) at 4 pm on Tuesday, January 28 and will lie in repose until the Vigil Mass at 7 pm. Monsignor Thomas W. Powers will be the celebrant and Monsignor Nicholas V. Grieco will be the homilist.

Bishop Michael R. Cote, Bishop of Norwich, will celebrate the Funeral Mass at 11 am on Wednesday, January 29 and Monsignor Leszek T. Janik, vicar general of the Diocese of Norwich, will be the homilist. Those concelebrating the Vigil Mass and/or at the Funeral Mass are asked to bring diocesan vestments. Vesting will take place in the hall below the church.

Interment will follow the Funeral Mass at Saint John’s Cemetery in Darien (25 Camp Avenue).

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Monsignor Malanowski, and for the consolation of his family.

Msgr. Malanowski’s service as a priest took him to many countries around the globe.  This profile, originally published in 2007, offers an overview of his remarkable priestly life:

https://www.bridgeportdiocese.org/celebrating-monsignor-thaddeum-malanowski/

Deacon Frank Chiappetta passed away at the age of 84, on Friday January 17, 2020 in Spring Hill Florida.

He is known to many in the diocese for his ministry as Deacon at St. Philip Parish in Norwalk and for his leadership of New Covenant House of Hospitality in Stamford from 1992 to 2001.

Deacon Chiappetta worked for years a corporate industrial designer before being ordained, and was also a talented icon artist. He is remembered as a man of deep faith and a strong commitment to serving those who were at risk and vulnerable.

In 1981, he was ordained a permanent deacon of the Diocese of Bridgeport by Bishop Walter W. Curtis. In 1992, Deacon Chiappetta completed work on a Masters in Counseling at Iona College. His internship program at Catholic Family Services in Norwalk brought him into the Catholic Charities system and ultimately led to his appointment as director of New Covenant House.

On the occasion of the 30th Anniversary of New Covenant House Deacon Chiappetta said that his experience at the soup kitchen changed his life and his notion of the poor. “I learned to see people in a different way. The gospel tells us the poor will always be with us, and some people will never be able to take care of themselves. But what interests me is how many of the poor can do better with a little help,” Deacon Chiappetta said at that time.

In Florida, a wake will be held on Thursday, January 23 beginning at 4:00 p.m. and ending with Vespers at 7:00 p.m., Mass will be celebrated on Friday January 24 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Church in Spring Hill, where Deacon Chiappetta also served as a Deacon.

In Connecticut, a wake will be held on Wednesday, January 29 beginning at 4:00 p.m. and ending with Vespers at 7:00 p.m., and Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, January 30 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Philip Church at One Father Conlon Place in Norwalk.

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Frank and for the consolation of his wife, Doris, and family.

Click for full obituary of Deacon Chiappetta.

TENFALY, NEW JERSEY—It is with deep sorrow that the Society of African Missions (SMA) announce the death of their brother Father Dan Lynch, who entered into Eternal Life December 20, 2019 in New Jersey.

Reverend Daniel James Lynch, S.M.A. was born on November 18, 1948 in Bridgeport, CT., the son of the late Daniel Robert and Ann Evanick Lynch.

Father Lynch was known to many locally as a graduate of Notre Dame High School, 66’ and Sacred Heart University, ’70. He celebrated Mass in parishes throughout the diocese while visiting his family home in Bridgeport.

He became a member of the Society of African Missions in May 11, 1973 and was ordained to the priesthood in September 1, 1973, in the SMA Provincial Headquarters, in Tenafly.

He served as a missionary in Liberia from 1973 to 1978. He was one of the first American Province members who served in the missions in Tanzania, in the years 1978 -1980. Returning to the USA, Dan was assigned to the SMA House in Dedham, MA, as a Clinical Pastoral Education Supervisor at Holy Family Hospital, in Methuen, MA, until 1992. Afterwards, he became part of the Lay Associate Program formation team, in the SMA House in Takoma Park, MD, until his retirement in the year 2018.

Father Dan was a profound admirer of the Carmelite spirituality of St. John of the Cross, St. Teresa of Avila, and Therese of Lisieux. He did courses at the WTU in Washington DC. He was a prolific writer in spirituality and prayer. Father Dan was an avid reader, loved nature and had a deep love for silence and contemplation.

He took his retirement at his home in Bridgeport, CT. Because of illness he moved to the Provincialate in Tenafly, NJ, in June 2019.

Father Dan is survived by his sisters Ann Marie Lynch Ocetnik and her husband Andrew of Milford, CT, Sr. Kathleen Lynch, S.N.D. and his uncle Fr. Michael Evanick of Merrilville, IN as well as cousins and friends.

Visitation on Friday December 27th, 2019, from 3-9pm at St. Anthony’s Chapel, The Mission 23 Bliss Avenue, Tenafly, NJ 07670. Funeral Mass to be celebrated on Saturday, December 28th, 2019 at 10:15 am, followed by Interment at Mt. Carmel Cemetery. Repass at the SMA Hall immediately after.

STRATFORD—Peter E. Nelsen of Stratford passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 6, surrounded by his loving family at the age of 72.

An accomplished musician and singer, “Pete” served for 58 years as the only organist at his beloved St. Mark Church. He taught music at St. Marks school, and was director of both the adult and children’s choir.

Gifted from youth with musical talent and a beautiful voice, he was conscripted to play at a funeral at St. James Church at the age of 14, when the regular organist was unavailable. Shortly after that he became the first organist at St. Mark Parish, which was formed out of St. James and founded in 1960.

Over the years he played at the weddings and funerals of St. Mark’s parishioners and his own funeral became a celebration of his life when many area musicians gathered to play before the Mass.

Born October 28, 1946, he was a loving son to Anne Klesper. He was a graduate of St. James School, Bunnell High school, and studied at The Liturgical School of music in N.Y. A lifelong resident of Stratford, he was also a proud U.S. Army Veteran.

Pete was very involved in the Town of Stratford as a realtor, past president of the exchange club, commissioner of the inland wetlands committee, and musician who brought Christmas songs to Lord Chamberlain during the holidays.

Mr. Nelsen is survived by his beloved, devoted and loving wife of 35 years Mimi and 4 amazing children, Christopher and Kathleen Berarducci of Little Silver, N.J., Kasey and Michael Wendland of Stratford, Matthew and Jenna Nelsen of Stratford and Katherine and Andrew Voytek of Stratford. He was the Poppi to his cherished grandchildren, Owen, Declan, Axel, Jack and his “Gracie Girl.”

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on August 10th at St. Mark Church in Stratford. Interment with full military honors followed at St. John’s Cemetery, Stratford.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Pete’s memory to St. Mark Church.

(For more information or to make an online condolence please visit www.adzimafuneralhome.com.)

WILTON—Sister Julia Mary Van Rossem, a member of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, died on August 10, 2019, at Lourdes Health Care Center in Wilton, CT, at age 84. Margaret was born in Jamaica, New York, in 1934, the daughter of Henry Nicholas Van Rossem and Mary Catherine Keogan, of the Bronx and Greenpoint, New York.

After pronouncing her vows as a School Sister of Notre Dame, in 1958 she began teaching at St. Teresa School in Trumbull, CT. In 1970 she became Principal at St. Mary School in East Islip, NY. In 1976 she began 26 years as Principal at St. Anthony of Padua School in South Ozone Park, NY. Later she taught at Immaculate Conception School in Secaucus, New Jersey. She came to Villa Notre Dame in Wilton in 2003 and was local leader and assistant leader of the sisters at Lourdes Health Care Center until 2013. She moved to Lourdes only in July 2019.

Friends may call at Villa Notre Dame, 345 Belden Hill Road, Wilton, on August 13, from 3 to 7 pm with a Christian wake service at 6 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am on August 14 in the chapel at Villa Notre Dame. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bethel.

Memorial contributions may be made to the School Sisters of Notre Dame, Atlantic-Midwest Province, c/o Development Office, 345 Belden Hill Road, Wilton, CT 06897.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Cornell Memorial Home in Danbury.

Published in Connecticut Post on Aug. 13, 2019

WILTON—Sister Lucy Caporaso, a member of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, died on June 13, 2019, at Lourdes Health Care Center in Wilton at age 74.

She was born in Bridgeport, in 1945, the daughter of Leonard and Concetta (Marranzino) Caporaso, both of Bridgeport.

After pronouncing her vows as a School Sister of Notre Dame in 1965, as Sister Leonard Mary, she began teaching at St. Catherine of Siena School, in Trumbull, Conn. Later she was missioned to Leonia, New Jersey, St. Lawrence, Huntington, and Trumbull Catholic Regional School, before returning to St. Catherine of Siena and later to St. Rose, Newtown; Holy Spirit School, Stamford; Notre Dame High School, Fairfield and St. Ann, Bridgeport. At Notre Dame, she was director of admissions.

Memorial contributions may be made to the School Sisters of Notre Dame, Atlantic-Midwest Province, c/o Development Office, 345 Belden Hill Road, Wilton, Conn. 06897.

BRIDGEPORT– It is with great sadness that the diocese has learned of the death of Deacon Kevin Moore, 75 of Trumbull on Friday, June 7.

Deacon Moore is fondly remembered by many as an unassuming man of great faith and dignity who tirelessly served others in his ministry and professional life. All are asked to please pray for the repose of the soul of Kevin and for the consolation of his wife Ellen and their family.

Kevin was a native of the Bronx, where he attended Holy Spirit Elementary School and Cardinal Hayes High School. He also studied two years in the minor seminary of the Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity in Holy Trinity, Alabama. He received a BBA from Iona College and an MBA from the University of Connecticut. He and his wife Ellen, a retired school psychologist, have lived in Fairfield County since 1971. The Moore family includes Meghan Ellen, Kevin Paul and his wife Katelyn.

He was ordained a Deacon by Bishop Curtis in 1981 and has served in Our Lady of the Assumption Parish since 2002. He has also ministered in St. Maurice Parish, Stamford and in Holy Cross Parish, Fairfield.

Kevin Moore was a CPA who spent most of his business career in the public sector. In addition to his ministry as a deacon, he served the Diocese of Bridgeport in the parish finance office. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and a veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard. He was an active member in the Charismatic Renewal, National Marriage Encounter and in the National Association for the Mentally Ill (NAMI).

Reverend Peter Cipriani, dean of Queen Assumed into Heaven Deanery, will receive Deacon Moore’s body at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12 at Our Lady of Assumption Church in Fairfield followed immediately by Evening Prayer. Deacon Moore will lay in repose in the church until 8pm. All deacons are invited to attend the reception of Deacon Moore’s body and to participate in the offering of Evening Prayer.

The Funeral Mass is scheduled for Thursday, June 13th at 12noon at Our Lady of Assumption Church located at 545 Stratfield Road in Fairfield.

Calling hours will be held on June 12th, Wednesday from 4 to 8 PM in Our Lady of Assumption Church, 545 Stratfield Road, Fairfield. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 12 PM. Interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery with military honor.

FLORIDA—Father Emeric, Szlezak, OFM, a professed Franciscan friar for 79 years and a priest for 74, died on March 16 in St. Petersburg, where he had lived since 2005.

Father Szlezak was 101 years old and the longest living friar in the history of Holy Name Province. Father Szlezak was born on December 17, 1917, in Budapest, Hungary, to Kalman and Elizabeth (née Beck). He moved with his family to the United States in 1923. Father Szlezak attended Catholic grammar school in Brooklyn before enrolling in St. Joseph Seraphic Seminary in Callicoon, N.Y.

He was received into the Order of Friars Minor in 1938 at St. Bonaventure Friary in Paterson, N.J., where he professed his first vows in 1939. Fr. Szlezak made his solemn profession in 1942 and in 1944 was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Amleto Cicognani at the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in Washington, D.C.

After completing theology in 1945, Fr. Szlezak’s first assignment was to St. Stephen of Hungary Parish on East 82nd Street in New York City, where he served for 42 years, until 1986. There, he ministered to the Hungarian immigrant community in New York City.

After World War II and again after the Hungarian Revolution in the 1950s, he assisted displaced persons, refugees and struggling immigrants. For 30 years, Fr. Szlezak gave weekly sermons in his native Hungarian language for a New York radio station that conducted a Hungarian broadcast. He also served as a chaplain to Catholic War Veterans on both the state and national levels and to local sheriff departments.

In 1986, he was assigned to St. Emery Parish in Fairfield, Conn., where he served for 19 years. In 2005, Fr. Szlezak retired to St. Anthony Friary in St. Petersburg, from which he traveled to Sarasota and Venice to celebrate Mass and offer pastoral care. He also served as chaplain to the Knights of Columbus, Council 2105, St. Petersburg.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, March 22, 2019 at 10 am at St. Mary’s Church in St. Petersburg. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated in his honor at St. Emery Church located at 838 Kings Highway East in Fairfield on Saturday, April 6, 2019 at 11 am. Father Emeric was assigned to St. Emery Parish in Fairfield in 1986 where he served for 19 years.

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Father Szlezak and for the consolation of his family.

BRIDGEPORT—Reverend Edward A. Colohan passed away at St. Vincent’s Medical Center on Thursday  March 14, 2019, at the age of 86.

Father Colohan’s body will be received at Saint Stephen Church located at 6948 Main Street, Trumbull, at 9:30 AM on Friday, March 22, 2019 and will lie in repose until the Funeral Mass, which will begin at 11:00 AM. Monsignor Thomas W. Powers will be the celebrant, and Monsignor Laurence R. Bronkiewicz will be the homilist. Those concelebrating the Mass should wear diocesan vestments.

“Father Colohan will be remembered for his intellectual, writing and teaching skills along with the warm and caring pastoral ministry that he brought to so many over the years. Please pray for the repose of the soul of Father Colohan and for the consolation of his family,” said Bishop Caggiano in announcing his passing.

Born and raised in Norwalk, Father Colohan was ordained at St. Augustine Cathedral in Bridgeport in 1961 by Bishop Lawrence J. Shehan, first bishop of Bridgeport. Following ordination, Father Colohan taught at Notre Dame High School in Fairfield, the former Central Catholic High School in Norwalk and Immaculate High School in Danbury.

In 1968, he became a chaplain in the U.S. Air Force, where he served for 24 years in positions as Senior Catholic Chaplain at Andrews Air Force Base in Washington, D.C., and at Clark Air Base in the Philippines. He was decorated for meritorious service 11 times and cited by the command chaplain of the Strategic Air Command as the outstanding chaplain major in 1979.

He retired from the service with honors and citation by Chief of Staff USAF in 1992 with the rank of colonel and returned to the diocese as parochial vicar of St. Joseph Parish in Shelton, before coming to St. Stephen Parish in Trumbull in 1993, where he served as pastor for 11 years.

Father Colohan also taught at Notre Dame High School in Fairfield, the former Central Catholic High School in Norwalk and Immaculate High School in Danbury.

Father Colohan earned his bachelor’s degree from St. Charles Seminary in Philadelphia, a master’s degree in Religious Education from Loyola University in Chicago, and a master of science degree in Counseling from Troy State University in New York. He also graduated from St. Thomas Seminary Junior College in 1953.

After retiring in 2004, Father Colohan became a regular contributor to the Connecticut Post clergy column and other publications, where he wrote on a wide range of social and spiritual topics.

I am sorry to inform you of the death of the Reverend William F. Sangiovanni yesterday, February 4, 2019. He was 77 years of age.

William Francis Sangiovanni was born in Brooklyn, New York, on February 24, 1941, son of Francis and Margaret (Muldoon) Sangiovanni. He was baptized on April 6, 1941, at Saint Bernadette Church in Brooklyn.

He attended Saint Gregory Elementary School and Saint Jerome Elementary School, Brooklyn, La Salle Academy, New York, and graduated from Fairfield University in 1962. He received a Bachelor of Social Science in 1962 from Fairfield University.

Father Sangiovanni received his priestly formation at the Seminary of Our Lady of Angels in Albany, New York, (1965-1969). After completing his theological studies, he took a leave of absence and served as special assistant to the Minority Leader of the Connecticut General Assembly and as assistant to Congressman Steward McKinney. He also worked with Glenmary Home Missions. After returning to the Diocese, he was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Bridgeport by the Most Reverend Walter W. Curtis in Saint Patrick Church on March 19, 1977.

He first served as Parochial Vicar of Saint Patrick Parish (1977-1981). In June 1980, he was named a part­-time member of the faculty of Notre Dame High School, while continuing to serve at Saint Patrick. In July 1981, he was appointed Spiritual Director of Notre Dame while residing at Holy Rosary Parish in Bridgeport. In January 1986, he was named Director of Sacred Heart University Chaplains and took up residency at Saint Theresa Parish in Trumbull. In August 1990, he became a full-time member of the faculty of Notre Dame High School. At Notre Dame High School, he was appointed Assistant Principal in July 1992, Principal in July 1994 and President in July 2010.

Throughout his years of priestly ministry in the Diocese, Father Sangiovanni also served on the Presbyteral Council and as Chaplain of the Columbiettes of Park City Council #16 Knights of Columbus. He also was appointed to the Ethics Commission of the State of Connecticut and served as Chaplain to the Bridgeport Correctional Center.

Father Sangiovanni retired on June 30, 2017, holding the title of President Emeritus of Notre Dame High School.

Father Sangiovanni’s body will be received in the Gymnasium of Notre Dame High School on Friday, February 8th at 3:00 pm and will lie in repose until 7:00 pm. A Vigil Mass will be celebrated at 7:00 pm in the Gymnasium. Father Peter Cipriani will be the celebrant, and Father Michael Dunn will be the homilist. I will celebrate the Funeral Mass on Saturday, February 9th at 11:00 am at Saint Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, and Father Peter Cipriani will be the homilist. Priests who will be concelebrating at the Funeral Mass should bring diocesan vestments.

Condolences can be sent c/o Notre Dame High School, 220 Jefferson Street, Fairfield, CT, 06825. Please pray for the repose of the soul of Father Sangiovanni and for the consolation of his family.

Fraternally in Christ,

Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano
Bishop of Bridgeport

Click here for more info on Father Sangiovanni