Golden Jubilarians

Seventeen priests of the Diocese of Brooklyn will mark their 50th years as priests this year. The class was ordained May 31, 1958, by Bishop Bryan J. McEntegart at St. James Pro-Cathedral, Downtown Brooklyn. If a priest was ordained elsewhere and later incardinated into the Brooklyn Diocese, the details of his ordination are contained in the following brief biographies of the jubilarians.

Father Thomas A. Anastasio, who resides at St. Patrick’s, Bay Ridge, will celebrate a Mass of thanksgiving at the church on Sunday, June 1, at 12:30 p.m. A reception will follow in the school auditorium.

Born in Brooklyn, he attended St. Anselm’s School, Bay Ridge; Fort Hamilton H.S.; St. John’s University, and Christ the King Seminary, St. Bonaventure, N.Y.

He served as an assistant at St. Rita’s, East New York, 1958-59; Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Ozone Park, 1959-64; St. Finbar, Bath Beach, 1964-70; St. Jerome’s, East Flatbush, 1970-80; and St. Bernard, Mill Basin, 1980-81.

He was pastor of St. Jude, Canarsie, from 1981 to 1993.

From 1993 until he retired earlier this year, he served as an assistant at St. Patrick’s.

Msgr. Howard B. Basler will celebrate a Mass of thanksgiving at Immaculate Conception Pastoral Center, Douglaston, on Sunday, June 29, at 3 p.m.

Born in Brooklyn, he attended St. Ephrem’s School, Dyker Heights; St. Michael’s Diocesan H.S., Sunset Park; Cathedral Prep, Brooklyn; Cathedral College, Brooklyn; and Immaculate Conception Seminary, Huntington. He did post-ordination studies at Notre Dame University, South Bend, Ind.

He served as an assistant at St. Andrew Avellino, Flushing, 1958; St. Matthias, Ridgewood, 1958-59.

In 1959, he was assigned to the faculty at Cathedral Prep, Brooklyn, where he taught until 1963 when he was named to the first faculty at Cathedral Prep, Elmhurst. Between 1978 and 1983, he worked at the Office of Catholic Education as assistant director for the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine and in the Newman Apostolate.

He was pastor of St. Andrew the Apostle, Bay Ridge, 1988-91, and director of Social Action for Catholic Charities from 1983 to 2006. At Catholic Charities, he also directed the diocesan office for the U.S. Bishops’ Catholic Campaign for Human Development.

Msgr. Basler also served as a member of the Priests’ Senate, serving as its secretary for three terms; president of the Brooklyn-Queens Catholic High School Athletic Associaton; assistant diocesan director of vocations, a member of The Tablet’s editorial advisory committee and a columnist and editorial writer for The Tablet.

He was named a monsignor in 1983.

He retired from active duty in 2006.

Msgr. Edward J. Breen, pastor emeritus of Our Lady of Fatima, East Elmhurst, will celebrate a Mass of thanksgiving with family and friends on Sunday, May 25.

He will also celebrate a Mass of thanksgiving with Father Eugene Donnelly, who is observing his 60th year as a priest on Sunday, June 8, at noon at Our Lady of Fatima. An anniversary reception will follow at Ricardo’s, Astoria.

Born in Brooklyn, he attended Our Lady Help of Christians School, Midwood; Cathedral College, Brooklyn; Immaculate Conception Seminary, Huntington. He did post-graduate studies at Fordham University and the University of San Francisco.

He served as an assistant at Holy Child Jesus, Richmond Hill, 1958, before being assigned to the faculty of Cathedral College, Brooklyn, where he taught Greek and Latin, 1958-67.

When the Douglaston campus of Cathedral College opened in 1967, he continued as a member of the faculty there until 1987.

He also served as a director of the diocesan Pastoral Institute, Douglaston, 1982-87.

He was named pastor of Our Lady of Fatima in 1987 and served there until 2004. He continues to reside there.

He also has been a member of The Tablet’s board of directors; the board of governors of Immaculate Conception Seminary, Huntington; the diocesan Liturgy Commission; and the diocesan Board of Mediation and Arbitration.

Father Anthony Casey, who lives at Queen of Peace Residence, Queens Village, will celebrate a Mass of thanksgiving there on Saturday, June 14, at 5 p.m. Msgr. Michael Dempsey will concelebrate. A reception will follow the Mass.

Born in Ireland, he studied at St. John’s College, Waterford, where he was ordained June 15, 1958 by Bishop Cohalan.

He did post-ordination studies at Iona College, New Rochelle, and St. John’s University, Jamaica, where he earned a doctorate in clinical psychology.

He served as an assistant at Holy Innocents, Flatbush, 1958-61; St. Joan of Arc, Jackson Heights, 1961-67; Holy Family, Flatlands, 1967-79; St. Columba, Marine Park, 1979-98; and St. Rose of Lima, Rockaway Beach, 1998-2003.

Msgr. Michael J. Dempsey will celebrate a Mass of thanksgiving May 31 at 5 p.m. at St. James Cathedral-Basilica, Downtown Brooklyn. A reception will follow at the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge.

Born in Most Precious Blood parish, Astoria, he attended St. Patrick’s School, L.I.C.; Power Memorial H.S., Manhattan; St. Francis College, Brooklyn Heights; and Immaculate Conception Seminary, Huntington.

He served as an assistant at St. Finbar’s, Bath Beach, 1958-60, and then was assigned to The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C., where he earned a master’s degree in educational psychology.

From 1961 to 1971, he was Assistant Superintendent of Schools, working on religious educaton, special education, curriculum projects and teacher personnel.

Between 1962 and 1966, he designed and built the Brooklyn Diocesan Television Network. In 1969, he was elected President of the Catholic Television Network.

From 1971 to 1978, he was Secretary of Education, earning a doctoral degree in the history and philosophy of education from Fordham University in 1973.

In 1978, he was named Director of the Office of Pastoral Communications, which eventually was responsible for the formation and running of The Prayer Channel, the diocesan cable TV network.

He also served as a consultant to the U.S. bishops on the USCC Satellite Project.

He retired from full-time duty last year and currently serves as executive director of Trans Video Communications.

Msgr. Richard F. Dunn, who lives at Bishop Mugavero Residence, Douglaston, will celebrate his anniversary with family and friends on Sunday, May 18.

Born in Brooklyn, he attended St. Francis College and Immaculate Conception Seminary, Huntington.

He served as an assistant at St. Therese of Lisieux, East Flatbush, 1958-60; Our Lady of Lourdes, Bushwick, 1960-64; St. Patrick, Bay Ridge, 1964-76, and St. Sebastian, Woodside, 1976-1987.

He was pastor of Corpus Christi, Woodside, from 1987 to 2007 when he retired.

Msgr. Vincent A. Keane, spiritual adviser to the Pope John Paul II House of Discernment in Cypress Hills, will celebrate a Mass of thanksgiving on June 15 at Immaculate Conception Pastoral Center, Douglaston.

Born in Astoria, he attended St. Joseph’s School; Cathedral Prep and College, Brooklyn; and Immaculate Conception Seminary, Huntington.

He served as an assistant at St. Pascal Baylon, St. Albans, 1958-59, and then was assigned to the faculty of Cathedral Prep, Brooklyn, later joining in the faculty of the Elmhurst branch of the school when it opened in 1962. He was principal of Cathedral Prep, Elmhurst, 1973-79.

From 1979 to 1980, he was an assistant at SS. Joachim and Anne, Queens Village. Between 1980 and 1988, he was administrator and eventually pastor of St. Francis de Sales, Belle Harbor.

When Cathedral Seminary Residence, Douglaston, was opened in 1988, he was appointed as rector. Then he was pastor of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, Bayside, from 1997 until 2001 when he became spiritual director at Cathedral Seminary Residence.
He retired from full-time duty in 2004.

Msgr. Cornelius T. Kneafsey, who resides at St. Benedict Joseph Labre, Richmond Hill, will celebrate a Mass of thanksgiving at the parish church on Saturday, May 31, at 11:30 a.m. A reception will follow in the auditorium.

Born in Brooklyn, he attended St. Clement Pope School, South Ozone Park; St. Francis Prep, St. Francis College, and Cathedral College, all Brooklyn; and Immaculate Conception Seminary, Huntington.

He served as an assistant at Presentation, Jamaica, 1958; St. Boniface, Downtown Brooklyn, 1958-60; American Martyrs, Bayside, 1960-69; St. Fidelis, College Point, 1969-76; and Our Lady of the Cenacle, Richmond Hill, 1976-80.

In 1980, he was named pastor at Our Lady of the Cenacle.

He was named a monsignor in 1989.

Father Charles Kraus, pastor emeritus of St. Charles Borromeo, Brooklyn Heights, will celebrate a Mass of thanksgiving at a later date due to recuperation from a recent illness.

Born in Brooklyn, he was baptized in St. Rose of Lima Church, Parkville, and attended Cathedral College, Brooklyn, and Immaculate Conception Seminary, Huntington.

He served as an assistant at St. Camillus, Rockaway Beach, 1958-61; St. Leo’s, Corona, 1961-70; St. Aloysius, Ridgewood, 1970-73; St. Helen, Howard Beach, 1973-75; and Our Lady of Angels, Bay Ridge, 1975-87.

He was named administrator of St. Charles Borromeo in 1987 and was pastor from 1989 until last June when he retired while maintaining residence at St. Charles.

Father John M. Mariano, who lives in Florida, plans a private celebration with his family.

Born in Brooklyn, he attended St. Michael’s Elementary School and High School, Sunset Park; Cathedral College, Brooklyn; and Immaculate Conception Seminary, Huntington. He did post-graduate studies at St. John’s University, Jamaica, and N.Y.U.

He served as an assistant at St. Fortunata, New Lots, 1958-61; Sacred Hearts-St. Stephen, Carroll Gardens, 1961-64; St. Edmund’s, Sheepshead Bay, 1965-67; and St. Aloysius, Ridgewood, 1967-68.

He taught at St. Francis College, Brooklyn Heights, 1968-72; and St. John’s University, Jamaica, 1972-1995. At St. John’s, he served as advisor to Beta Epsilon Rho fraternity.

During his teaching years, he assisted with Sunday liturgies at St. William the Abbot, Seaford, L.I.

Msgr. Walter C. Murphy, the bishop’s liaison to senior priests who lives at Bishop Mugavero Residence, Douglaston, will celebrate a Mass of thanksgiving June 1 at Immaculate Conception Pastoral Center, Douglaston.

Born in Ridgewood, he attended St. Brigid’s School; Cathedral Prep, Brooklyn; and St. John’s University, where he majored in public accounting. Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Marines and served as an officer in Korea in 1952.

He worked as an accountant for Peat Marwick, Mitchell before entering Our Lady of Angels Seminary, Niagara.
He served as an assistant at Our Lady Help of Christians, Midwood, 1958-60. After further studies at The Catholic University of America, he was assigned to the faculty of Cathedral Prep, Brooklyn, in 1961, and joined the faculty at Cathedral College, Douglaston, in 1967.

In 1970, he was named administrator of Sacred Heart parish, Adelphi St., Fort Greene, where he became pastor in 1979.

He also has served as moderator of the Catholic Accountants Guild.

Father Jerome Nadine, who resides at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal rectory, Ridgewood, will celebrate a Mass of thanksgiving at Holy Rosary Church, Bedford-Stuyvesant, on Sunday, June 8, at 11:30 a.m.

Born in Scranton, PA., he attended St. Michael’s School, Hoban Heights, PA.; St. John’s School, Pittston, PA.; St. Peter’s Seminary, London, Ont.; and Immaculate Conception Seminary, Huntington. He was ordained May 24, 1958 at Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Syracuse, by Bishop Walter A. Foery.

He served as an assistant at Holy Rosary, Bedford-Stuyvesant, 1958-63; St. Catherine of Sienna, St. Albans, 1963-65; and then was a chaplain in the U.S. Air Force, from 1965 to 1993.

From 1993 to 2007, he ministered in the Diocese of Las Vegas.

He returned to the Diocese of Brooklyn and took up residence in Ridgewood last year.

Father John Newell, who is currently recovering from surgery, will celebrate at a later date.

Born in Brooklyn, he attended St. John’s College, Brooklyn, and Our Lady of Angels Seminary, Niagara.

He served as an assistant at Blessed Sacrament, Jackson Heights, 1958-74; St. Margaret, Middle Village, 1974-83; St. Bernard, Mill Basin, 1983-85; and Sacred Heart, East Glendale, 1985-90.

Father Kevin O’Donoghue, who lives at Bishop Mugavero Residence, Douglaston, will celebrate a Mass of thanksgiving at Immaculate Conception Pastoral Center, Douglaston.

Born in Brooklyn, he attended St. Charles Borromeo Grammar School, Brooklyn Heights; Cathedral Prep and College, Brooklyn; and Immaculate Conception Seminary, Huntington.

He served as an assistant at Our Lady of the Cenacle, Richmond Hill, 1958-71; St. Agnes, Red Hook, 1973-80; St. Andrew Avellino, Flushing, 1979-81; and St. Thomas the Apostle, Woodhaven, 1981-91.

In 1991, he was named pastor of St. Cecilia’s parish, Greenpoint, and served there until 2004 when he retired.

Msgr. Joseph C. Pfeiffer, who resides at St. Helen’s, Howard Beach, will celebrate a Mass of thanksgiving at the parish church on Sunday, June 1, at 12:30 p.m. A reception will follow in the parish hall.

Born in Queens Village, he attended Our Lady of Lourdes School, Queens Village; St. Augustine’s H.S., Park Slope; St. Francis College, Brooklyn Heights; and Immaculate Conception Seminary, Huntington.

He served as an assistant at Holy Name, Park Slope, 1958-64; St. Paul the Apostle, Corona, 1964-76; St. Pancras, Glendale, 1976-78; and St. Gerard Majella, Hollis, 1978-84.

He was Episcopal Vicar for Queens Village, from 1984 to 1989, and then served as pastor of St. Helen’s, 1988-2005.

Father Stephen Valdazo, an assistant at St. Joan of Arc, Jackson Heights, will celebrate a Mass of thanksgiving at the church on Saturday, June 7, at noon. A reception will follow in Msgr. Boylan Hall.

Born in Burgos, Spain, he studied in Navarre and Logrono and was ordained June 8, 1958.
He spent his early years as a priest teaching high school in Saragossa, Spain.

In 1968, he came to the United States and earned a master’s degree at Fordham University.

He served as an assistant at St. Leo, Corona, 1972; Most Precious Blood, Bth Beach, 1972-76; Presentation, Jamaica, 1976-80; and St. Joan of Arc since 1980.

In 1997, he received the Good Neighbor Award from the Jackson Heights Beautification Group. In 1999, the Hispanic Society of St. Joan of Arc established the Reverend Stephen Valdazo Scholarship for a graduate of the parish school entering high school.

Father Andrew R. Varano, pastor emeritus of St. Francis of Paola, Williamsburg, will celebrate a Mass of thanksgiving at a future date.

Born in Phillipsburg, N.J., he attended Cathedral College, Brooklyn, and Immaculate Conception Seminary, Huntington.

He served as an assistant at Holy Family, Flatlands, 1958-70, and St. Francis of Paola, 1970-90.

In 1990, he was named pastor at St. Francis of Paola, where he served until earlier this year.