Rev. Father Anthony "Tony" Wojcinski
October 9, 1941 ~ November 2, 2023
Born in:
Massillon, Ohio
Resided in:
Pueblo West, Colorado
Funeral Mass:
Reverend Anthony Andrew Wojcinski, 82, passed away November 2, 2023,
(All Souls’ Day). Survived by his sister, Alfreda Burkett; brother, Louis M. Wojcinski (Donna); numerous nieces and nephews; and great nieces and nephews, as well as all his fellow priests, deacons and sisters of the Diocese of Pueblo. Preceded in death by his parents,
and sisters, Patricia and Mary.
Born in Massillon, Ohio to Andrew A. and Palage (Budny) Wojcinski on October 9, 1941, he was fourth of five children. Upon graduating from Central Catholic High School in Canton, Ohio, he entered the Novitiate of the Baltimore District of the Brothers of the Christian Schools at age 17. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree from LaSalle University, Philadelphia in Business Administration in 1964 and in 1972, a Master of Arts in Theology from the same university. In 1979, he received a Master of Social Work degree from St. Louis University. During his twenty-four years as a Christian Brother, he was a religious superior and a high school principal twice. After receiving a dispensation from perpetual vows in the Brothers of the Christian Schools, Fr. Tony was accepted to study for the priesthood in the Diocese of Pueblo in 1983. He attended St. Meinrad School of Theology for three semesters beginning in the fall of 1983 and received a Master of Theological Studies degree in 1985. He was ordained a deacon at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart on the Feast of the Holy Family in December 1984 by Bishop Arthur N. Tafoya. On April 13, 1985, Bishop Tafoya traveled to Fr. Tony’s home parish of St. Mary in Massillon, Ohio to ordain him to the priesthood.
His first assignment was as parochial vicar at Holy Family Parish in Pueblo. In August of 1985, he was appointed Diocesan Coordinator for Parochial Schools. In the summer of 1986, he was appointed temporary administrator of St. Peter Parish, Rocky Ford and its mission of St. Peter, Ordway and St. Joseph the Worker, Manzanola.
In July, 1987, he was assigned as a full-time chaplain at Fremont Correctional Facility in the East Cañon Complex of the Colorado Department of Corrections. In November, 1992, he was assigned as a full-time chaplain at the newly opened Federal Corrections Facility in Florence, CO. In July, 1993, Bishop Tafoya appointed him as Rector of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. In addition to his duties as rector, he was also the Diocesan Master of Ceremonies.
He worked diligently to reduce the debt incurred by the renovation of the Cathedral in 1989.
After his sabbatical in 2001, he was assigned to St. Columba Parish and St. Columba School in Durango, CO where he served as pastor from 2001-2002, resigning for health reasons.
He was Moderator of the Curia in 2002.
He served as pastor of St. Francis de Sales and Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Lamar, CO from 2002-2005. He was then appointed pastor of St. Leander Parish, Pueblo where he served from 2005-2011. He retired from active ministry in 2015.
Upon his retirement, he served the Diocese of Pueblo as sacramental help at numerous parishes throughout the Diocese.
Fr. Tony will be remembered as a dedicated minister to the people of God, always showing love, kindness and a welcoming spirit to all he encountered. The family of Fr. Tony wish to express their gratitude to his caregivers: Parkview Hospital, Deb Rendón, Lynette Belkin, Steve Martinez, Alyssa Pennington and Deacon Phil “Blue” Medina.
Viewing will be at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 11th Street & Grand Ave., 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8, followed by the Vigil Service at 6:00 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9, also at the Cathedral. Following the Burial Rites at Roselawn Cemetery, a reception will be held at Fr. Charles Murray Hall, St. Joseph Parish, 1145 S. Aspen Rd., Pueblo, CO 81006. In lieu of flowers, those who desire may make memorials to the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. Online condolences, www.MontgomerySteward.com
Just have to add Tony’s signature word: “Indeed! 🙂
Such a sweet man.
I just learned of Tony’s passing. We were Christian Brothers together and have remained friends since his and my departure from the Brothers, speaking frequently and visiting each other occasionally. He was a good, faithful man. I loved him dearly and will miss him. I’m sure the angels carried Tony swiftly to the arms of God.
Susan Baca
Fr. Tony had a great historical knowledge of Pueblo and made the trip to the Stations of the Cross in SLV so enjoyable. Fr. Tony will be missed for his joy and good humor.
Barbara Osterman
I first met Tony when we were both 18. All through college, he was an impressive and friendly guy. I’d see him off and on as we taught, but when he became a priest, distance kept us from running into each other for almost 40 years. In September, we had a reunion here in NJ and he flew in for it. One night we spent a fair amount of time catching up. I am so glad that I had the chance to have renewed the friendship before God called him home. My prayers and sympathy to his loved ones.
Bless his memory.
Tony was truly a man of both God and his community. He was an honorary member of our family for the 30+ years that we knew each other, and an integral part of the communities he served. Tony was the embodiment of living as God would want us to: loving, humble, and with a great sense of humor!
One such story: after having known Tony for 10+ years and still calling him “Father Tony” each time I saw him, he told me: “you know, we’ve known each other for a LONG time, so I thought I should tell you: my first name isn’t ‘father’…it’s actually ‘Tony.’ Please call me that from now on.” 🙂
Always humble, and always with a great sense of humor…you are one of a kind, Tony, and always will be. We love you.
I’ve met and known Fr Tony at various parishes in the diocese through his work as a “supply” priest. I served as his sacristan. He was always kind, gracious and charming. Peace be upon you Fr Tony. God bless.
There are people that just have a light within them. Father Tony was one of those people. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. My sympathy to his family. RIP Father Tony.
Jim Cisneros.
I had pleasure of meeting Father Tony years ago through a family member. He was so friendly and cordial to be around..I know he will be missed by all that knew him. I know that he is in God’s hands and wis my prayers and condolences to family and friends. God bless you.
I had the pleasure of meeting Father Tony many years ago through a mutual friends. He was warm and caring person. May he rest in peace. My deepest condolences to his family and friends
May peace be with you Father 🙏
His Homilies consistently illuminated the Scripture Readings and helped bring them to the present day.
He was the kind of person that you could easily talk with, and feel that he understood.
His empathy and sincerity were evident. The Priesthood is truly a gift from God and we thank God for sending Fr. Tony to us as our spiritual guide. Rest in peace dear Fr. Tony.
I will miss him very much,
RIP Father
I met Fr. Tony in 1987 when he was still a paid chaplain at the Colorado Dept. of Corrections. We became quick friends and our friendship lasted all these years. Fr. Tony was such a warm and caring individual. I knew I could always trust his judgement when I went to him with a problem. I always had to smile when he got that “twinkle” in his eye that told me “oh this is going to one of THOSE discussions.” I have so many fond memories of Fr. Tony over the years. I was blessed to go on a Pilgrimage with him in 2000 to Italy, Germany and Austria. We had great seats for the Papal audience. He also introduced me to some foods I never thought I would eat, let alone enjoy. (Frog legs, calamari and escargot!) Being Fr. Tony’s friend was one big adventure after another! I will miss him very much. I know that he is at peace. My sympathy to his family and friends.