Fr. RONALD WIKTOR CM died

“The length of our days is seventy years —
or eighty, if we have the strength;
yet their span is but trouble and sorrow,
for they quickly pass, and we fly away.” (Psalm 90,10)

On July 20, 2010 in age of 74, 53 years of vocation and 47 years of priesthood,  Father Ronald A. WIKTOR CM died at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Bridgeport, CT. He was the long time teacher and last Principal,  Rector and Superior of  St. John Kanty Prep, Erie, PA.   Since 2006 he was  resident of  St. Joseph Manor Rehabilitation & Medical Center, Trumbull, CT. Condolences can be added as commentaries to this post.

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS DETAILS.

Lay in State:
July 24, 2010 9:00-10:00 AM
at St. Michael’s Church, Derby, CT

Funeral Liturgy:
July 24, 2010 10:30 AM
St. Michael’s Church, Derby, CT

Burial:
July 24, 2010 12:00 Noon
Vincentian Community Plot
St. Michael’s Cemetery, Derby, CT

RONALD A. WIKTOR was born on December 26, 1935 in Lackawanna, NY as the son of Andrew and Mary Kurczewski Wiktor. He attended St. Barbara’s School in Lackawanna, N.Y. and next graduated from St. John John Kanty Prep, Erie, PA in 1953.  On June 8, 1957 he entered the Congregation of the Mission in then, Vice-Province of  Poland in the USA and was  sent for  Internal Seminary course with the Vincentian Eastern Province in St. Vincent’s  Seminary, Germantown, Philadelphia, PA.  He completed his theological  studies in Mary Immaculate Seminary, Northampton, PA obtaining Master of Divinity (M.Div) degree.  Ordained priest on June 1, 1963  in the Chapel of  Queen of All Saints, Northampton. He did Post Graduate studies in Fairfield University in Fairfield.

For his first assignment he was sent to mission house in  Utica, NY were he stayed until 1965.  Next moved to Ansonia as porochial vicar of  St. Joseph’s parish there (under pastorates of  Fr. Casimir Kwiatkowski and Fr. John Starzec).  Ansonia became his “first love” since the very begining.

In 1967 Fr. “Ron” was assigned to Erie, his Alma Mater, St. John Kanty Prep.  There he has spent next 15 years.  He begun as teacher  and in years, he stepped up the ladder  becoming Principal in 1976 (with Fr. John Sledziona as Superior)  and since 1978 Rector and Superior of the House.  He was the last one in these offices.  During his tenure St John Kanty Prep was closed.  The last school year ended on June 6, 1980 and on September 6, 1982 Fr. Ronald  was the man who turned off the light and locked the door of  Erie House.

For next four months he was assigned to Provincial House in West Hartford, CT and held administration of a parish in Pittsfield, New Hampshire (Diocese of Manchester).  The bishop was so greatly satisfied with his service that later he offered St. Peter’s Parish in Concord, NH to Vincentians from Province of New England. Meanwhile, between 1979 and 1986 he was Provincial Councilor.

On February 1, 1983 Fr. Wiktor returned to his “first love”, St. Jospeh’s parish in Ansonia, CT. This time as pastor and superior. He stayed here until September 1988. During his pastorate he outlaid some $100,000 for new ramp to the church, new carillon bells, insulation of the church roof and repairs to the church, school and parking lot.  In pastoral level Miraculous Medal NOvena was reinstituted (Wednesdays, 5:00 p.m.), former annual  Eucharistic Day was prolonged to three-day Forty Hours Devotions. Between 1984- 1986 a special “renew program” was conducted in the parish. People gathered in homes for special prayers and liturgies. There were parish Candlelight Services, talks on suggested theological topics, special education and religious films.

Since October 1, 1988 he has got his “second love” St. Michael’s Parish in Derby, CT as  pastor and until  1993 also as  the  Superior.  His years there are marked by authorization of printing of the publication “Saint Michael the Archangel, Derby, Connecticut “.

In 2001 he was transferred to new appointment, he joined Confreres  from Eastern Province  as  Pastor of   Our Lady of Lebanon Parish, Niagara Falls, NY (closed by Bishop of Buffalo in 2008).  Due to his health condition retired in 2006 and became resident  of  St. Joseph Manor, Trumbull, CT.  However as often as it was possible he joined the community for various celebrations and festivities.

He is survived by his sister, Barbara (Joseph) Peters of Charleston, S.C.; brothers, Norman (Judith) Wiktor of  West Seneca, N.Y., Thomas (Delphine) Wiktor of Orchard Park, N.Y. and Damian (Judith) Wiktor of  Boston, N.Y. He is also survived by eight nieces and nephews and numerous great-nieces and  nephews.

View picture gallery of  Fr. Ronald Wiktor

You will always remain in our memory and our prayers, Fr. Ron.

May angels lead you into paradise;
upon your arrival, may the martyrs receive you
and lead you to the holy city of Jerusalem.
May the ranks of angels receive you,
and with Lazarus, the poor man, may you have eternal rest.

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8 comments to Fr. RONALD WIKTOR CM died

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  • Kevin Mankowski

    An unfailing servant of the Lord. No matter what the situation, always smiling.Rest in peace Fr Ron.

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  • Mike Trott

    Farewell Fr Ron and Thank You. Mike (Kanty G77)

  • Daniel J. Kij (Past Kanty Alumni Pres.)

    As a fellow Lackawannan who was honored to serve as MC at Father Ron’s ordination banquet, I join all associated with the Vincentians and Kanty Alumni in mourning his loss. I remember when my father (Dr. Joseph F. Kij Sr. G21), who witnessed as a student the FIRST Kanty graduation in 1917, was invited by Rector Father Ron to attend the LAST Kanty graduation in 1980!

    May Father Ron rest in eternal peace!

    Wieczny odpoczynek racz mu dac’ Panie!

  • Frank Lazowski

    Father Ron was a class act. He always cared and listened and would help any way he could. His advice was priceless.
    He would call for my boys to serve a wedding or funeral and leave on our answering machine, “This is the good Father Ron calling….”.
    His sermons were the best. And he knew everyone in church, where you sat, what car you drove, and other things.

    Rest in peace.

  • Marie DiPaola and Deborah Morris

    You will be greatly missed. Our long phone conversations and our trips to our favorite place will always have a special place in our hearts. Father you have served your flock well. Thank you for all you have done for us. Be at peace.

    “The Girls”

  • Mark Scalise

    Rest in Peace Fr. Ron. Thank you for the great years at Kanty. You will not be forgotten. Spike (G79)

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