Former Greenpoint Pastor Served 64 Yrs. as a Priest

Father Pieczka, CM

Father Walenty F. Pieczka, C.M., 87, former pastor of St. Stanislaus Kostka, Greenpoint, died on Aug. 25 at St. Joseph’s Residence, Enfield, CT.

Born in Brzezce-Pszczyna, Poland, in 1919, he completed his theological studies for the Vincentian priesthood in Krakow and was ordained there on July 18, 1943.

Sixteen years later he arrived in the United States to minister in Polish-American parishes. Father Pieczka served as pastor of St. Stanislaus Kostka from 1966 to 1975.

Father Roman Gorowski, C.M., who visited Father Pieczka at St. Stanislaus Kostka and knew him in his final years, remembered him as “a very gentle, pious and polite man” who worked hard to care for the English- and Polish-speaking people of his parish.

George Szczygiel was married by Father Pieczka at St. Stanislaus. “It was said that he had a very good hand,” Szczygiel said explaining that meant the marriages he celebrated lasted.

Father Pieczka was “a great pastor,” who was “very friendly, but strict,” Szczygiel said. “You could go to him for spiritual advice, but also invite him to your home.”

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Joseph’s Residence Chapel on Aug. 28. Burial was in the Vincentian Fathers’ community plot at St. Michael’s Cemetery in Derby, CT.

Eleanor Farrell, the mother of Father Dennis J. Farrell, pastor of Resurrection parish, Gerritsen Beach, died Sept. 5.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Sept. 8 at Holy Name Church, Park Slope.

Burial was in St. Charles Cemetery, Farmingdale, L.I.

Sidalia Marcel, the mother of Deacon Magloire Marcel of St. Jerome’s parish, East Flatbush, died Aug. 30.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Sept. 8 at St. Jerome’s Church.

Burial was in Holy Cross Cemetery, Flatbush.

Gloria Selvaggio, the sister of Deacon Anthony Russo of Guardian Angel parish, Brighton Beach, died Sept. 8.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Sept. 14 at Guardian Angel Church.

Burial was in Green-Wood Cemetery, Sunset Park.

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