STAMFORD—The Reverend Monsignor Louis A. DeProfio, P.A., passed away on August 15, 2018, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in Stamford. He was 91 years of age.
Perhaps best remembered for his long and distinguished service as Pastor of St. Theresa Church in Trumbull, Msgr. DeProfio held many posts and assignments throughout the diocese and remained active as a priest in retirement at the Catherine Dennis Keefe Queen of Clergy Residence in Stamford.
“Msgr. DeProfio was a man of remarkable vitality, energy and optimism. He brought good cheer, natural leadership and deep faith to his sacrificial service as a priest. He inspired generations of Catholics and leaves a lasting legacy of the joy of faithful witness,” said Bishop Caggiano. “ I ask all to please pray for the repose of the soul of Monsignor DeProfio, and for the consolation of his family.”
Louis Anthony DeProfio was born in Bridgeport on May 20, 1927, the youngest of the seven children of Luigi and Lucia (Dostillio) DeProfio. Following his graduation from Central High School in Bridgeport and a year’s service in the United States Navy, his priestly formation began at St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield.
He continued studies at St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore and was ordained to the Priesthood for the Diocese of Bridgeport by the Most Reverend Lawrence J. Shehan at St. Augustine Cathedral in Bridgeport on Ascension Thursday, May 10, 1956.
His first assignment was as Parochial Vicar of his home parish, St. Raphael in Bridgeport. He served also as Parochial Vicar of Sacred Heart in Stamford before being appointed Diocesan Director of the C.Y.O and Diocesan Director of Social Action.
In addition to his service on various boards and committees, and for a time as Administrator of St. Margaret’s Shrine in Bridgeport, Monsignor DeProfio directed the second Synod of the Diocese of Bridgeport in 1971, and was the Campaign Chair for the Faith in the Future diocesan capital campaign in 1995.
On September 11, 1971, Monsignor DeProfio became Pastor of St. Theresa Parish in Trumbull, where he served with great distinction until his retirement from active ministry in May 2003.
Thereafter, he served as Director of the Catherine Dennis Keefe Queen of the Clergy Residence in Stamford. He was appointed a Prelate of Honor of His Holiness, with the title of Monsignor, by Pope John Paul II on January 4, 1983, and a Protonotary Apostolic supernumerary, also by Pope John Paul II, on December 19, 1996.
Monsignor DeProfio’s body will be received at St. Theresa Church, 5301 Main Street, Trumbull, on Thursday, August 23 at 3:00 pm, and will lie in repose until the Vigil Mass at 7:00 pm. Monsignor Thomas Powers will be the celebrant, and Father Joseph Marcello will be the homilist. Bishop Frank J. Caggiano will celebrate the Funeral Mass on Friday, August 24, at 11:00 am, and Monsignor Andrew Varga will be the homilist.
Condolences may be sent to Mrs. Carol Mackno at 92 Phyfe Road in Fairfield, Connecticut 06824.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Queen of the Clergy Residence, 274 Strawberry Hill Ave., Stamford, CT 06902, St. Margaret Shrine, 2523 Park Ave. Bridgeport, CT 06604, or to St. Theresa’s Roman Catholic Church, 5301 Main St. Trumbull, CT 06611, in memory of Reverend Monsignor Louis A. DeProfio.
