Reverend Monsignor Francis J. Willenburg

Reverend Monsignor Francis J. Willenburg, age 85, long-time pastor at St. Agnes Church in Utica, and most recently in residence at St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church, went home to his Lord and Savior on Thursday, July 10, 2014, at the St. Joseph Nursing Home. Francis was born on November 20, 1928, in Baltimore, Maryland, the son of the late Frank and Emelia (Zerhusen) Willenburg. Fran graduated from St. Aloysius Academy in Rome in 1946 as Valedictorian, and attended Niagara University where he earned varsity letters in football, basketball, baseball, and golf. Upon completion of his junior year, he followed his calling and entered St. Bernard’s Seminary in Rochester. He was ordained on February 2, 1954, and was assigned as Parochial Vicar at Saint Agnes Church. From 1956-1958, he served as Resident Chaplain at St. John's and St. Joseph's Home, and Director and Board member Emeritus of Catholic Charities in the Utica-Rome area, and he was dedicated to the youth who attended Camp Nazareth. From 1970-1974, he was in residence at St. Thomas Church in New Hartford. Much of Father’s ecumenical service from 1974 until he retired in 2009 was spent serving as Pastor at St. Agnes Church. He also assisted and served as administrator at St. Louis Gonzaga Church. In addition to his parish ministry, Monsignor Willenburg served as Chaplain at the Newman Club at Mohawk Valley Technical Institute, counselor for the Utica division of the Oneida County Children’s Court, Catholic clergy representative for the Utica Civil Defense Organization, and was a founding board member of St. Joseph Nursing Home. He was a member of the Utica Council 189 Knights of Columbus and The Knights of St. John Commandery #385. Monsignor was inducted into the Hall of Fame for the following organizations: Rome Sports, Greater Utica Sports, the SUNY Institute of Technology Wildcat Boosters, and Central New York Bowling. His love of sports extended to encouraging and supporting athletic endeavors of all around him. It was not unusual to see Monsignor at any and all sporting events involving the youth and adults of the community. Monsignor Willenburg celebrated his 60th Jubilee in February 2014. Throughout this time his unending generosity, comforting words, and humble reverence touched the hearts of parishioners, friends, and fellow clergy. His devout spirit, kind heart, and strong character were examples in living for all who knew him. Father’s presence in their lives will live on. Monsignor Willenburg is survived by his sister, Anne Morris of St. Petersburg, Florida; and his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and godchildren. Monsignor’s heart was touched by many wonderful and close friendships too numerous to mention, and he felt like extended family to many of his dear parishioners and friends. He was predeceased by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Barbara and Harland Cooper, Mary C. Willenburg, and Robert Morris. Monsignor Willenburg’s family is thankful to the entire staff of the St. Joseph Nursing Home for the compassion, kindness, and respect they imparted to Monsignor while in their care. A note of appreciation is extended to the local clergy and friends who visited and prayed for Monsignor’s well being. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 4-7 at St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church, 422 Tilden Ave., Utica. Vigil Services for Deceased Priest will be at the conclusion of visitation. For those wishing to do so, memorial contributions may be considered to St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church or to Catholic Charities Camp Nazareth Program; envelopes will be available at the church. Monsignor Willenburg’s Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday at 10:30 at St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church officiated by Most Reverend Bishop Robert J. Cunningham. Concelebrating the Funeral Mass will be his nephew, Monsignor Robert Morris. He will be laid to rest alongside his family in St. Peter’s Cemetery in Rome, NY. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Monsignor Willenburg would most likely want to bestow upon his family, friends, and parishioners his familiar wishes, “Bless you, bless you, bless you”.

Reverend Monsignor Francis J. Willenburg

November 20, 1928 - July 10, 2014