Obituary of Father Francis J. Gasparick

November 12, 2023

The Capuchin Franciscan friars of the Province of St. Mary mourn the death of their brother, Father Francis J. Gasparik, O.F.M. Cap, who passed from this life on Sunday, November 12, 2023, in New York City at the age of sixty-five.

Fr. Francis was born to Francis and Joan Brady Gasparik in New York City on July 7, 1958. He and his four siblings grew up in Astoria, Queens. Francis attended St. Mary's Seminary in Garrison, NY, and St. John's University, Queens, NY, receiving a B.A. in Social Work.

Fr. Francis entered the Capuchins on August 31, 1979, and pronounced perpetual vows on August 24, 1985. In preparation for the priesthood, Fr. Francis served at Sacred Heart Parish, Yonkers, NY; St. Pius X, Middletown, CT; and received his theology degree from the Maryknoll School of Theology, Ossining, NY. Fr. Francis was ordained to the priesthood by His Excellency Francis J. Mugavero, on May 31, 1986.

Fr. Francis' first assignment was as a vocation director [1986-1991], guiding others to our Capuchin way of life with residence in St. Anthony Friary and Blessed Sacrament Friary, Manchester, NH, and St. Michael Friary, Brooklyn, NY.

Fr. Francis served on the Provincial Council for fifteen years [1996-2011], was Minister Provincial for six years [2011-17], Director of Mission and Development [2002-09], and Pastor of St. John the Baptist and later Holy Cross Parish where he resided until the time of his death. This extraordinary time of service in these elected positions was a testimony of his brothers' deep respect for his pastoral and visionary abilities and his understanding and compassion for those he served tirelessly.

Fr. Francis was pre-deceased by his parents and is survived by his two sisters, Marianne Judson [Kevin] and Ruth Gasparik; his two brothers, Thomas and Peter Gasparik [Deborah]; his sister-in-law Mary Ann Gasparik; and his five nephews and six nieces.

Viewing will be held on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 [2-8 p.m.] at Holy Cross Church, 329 W. 42^nd St., NYC. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, November 16, 2023 [10:30 a.m.] at St. John the Baptist Church, 213 W. 30^th St., NYC. Burial to follow in the friars’ cemetery in Yonkers, NY.

In place of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Fr. Francis Gasparik in support of the good works of the Province of St Mary, 110 Shonnard Place, Yonkers, NY 10703.

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