‘A Tremendous Pro-Life Leader’
Msgr. Philip J. Reilly, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn, was born June 21, 1934, ordained to the priesthood on May 28, 1960, and died Nov. 30, at age 90. Msgr. Reilly served the Diocese of Brooklyn as parochial vicar for the parishes of St. Teresa of Avila (Richmond Hill) and St. Thomas More (Breezy Point).
He was a faculty member at Cathedral Preparatory High School from 1965 to 1984 and was named rector in 1984. He also served as the chaplain of Precious Blood Monastery (Borough Park) in 1991. He retired to the Bishop Mugavero Residence in 2019, serving as a senior priest until his passing. Msgr. Reilly was known as a champion of the pro-life movement.
He founded the Helpers of God’s Precious Infants, training pro-lifers in 40 other states and many foreign countries, college and seminary students, the Sisters of Life, Franciscans of the Renewal, and others in what became known as “sidewalk counseling.”
Msgr. Andrew Vaccari, pastor of St. Mary Mother of Jesus parish in Bensonhurst, said that in “sidewalk counseling,” Msgr. Reilly would celebrate Mass, then lead a procession of faithful to
“bring a prayerful presence to places where abortions were happening, where designated counselors would speak to those entering abortion facilities, offering alternatives to abortion.”
“He was certainly a pioneer and a tremendous pro-life leader,” said Msgr. Vaccari. A wake for Msgr. Reilly took place on Dec. 8, at Immaculate Conception Center, Douglaston, followed by a vigil Mass at which Bishop Kevin Sweeney, Bishop of Paterson, was the homilist. The funeral was celebrated Dec. 9, also at Immaculate Conception Center. The principal celebrant was Bishop Robert Brennan. The homilist was Msgr. Andrew Vaccari and the special concelebrants were Msgr. Sean Ogle and Msgr. John H. Maksymowicz. Burial took place at St. John Cemetery, Middle Village.
‘A Wonderful Shepherd’ of God
Father Albert Bellantonio, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn, was born on Jan. 10, 1942, in New York, was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Francis Mugavero on May 31, 1969, and died Monday, Nov. 25, 2024.
Father Bellantonio served the Diocese of Brooklyn as pastor of the Shrine Church of Our Lady of Solace (Coney Island), administrator of the Parish of St. Rita’s Church (Cypress Hills), and parochial vicar for the parishes of Most Precious Blood (Bath Beach), St. Bernadette (New Utrecht), and St. Jerome (East Flatbush).
Father Bellantonio also ministered at the parishes of St. Dominic (Bensonhurst) and Our Lady of Guadalupe (New Utrecht) while in residence at Bishop Mugavero Residence (Douglaston). Father Bellantonio was a member of the Priests’ Purgatorial Society.
“Father Bellantonio was a loving priest, a wonderful shepherd, who embraced and encouraged everyone in the parish,” says Anna Sue Ambrosio, a lifelong parishioner at Shrine Church of Our Lady of Solace parish, where Father Bellantonio served from 1989 to 2001. She also remembers Father Bellantonio as an energetic pastor who initiated “many activities in the parish.” “He would say, ‘We’ll have an eternity to rest. There’s a lot of work to do,’ ” Ambrosio recalls.
A wake and funeral Mass for Father Bellantonio was celebrated on Friday, Dec. 6, at Immaculate Conception Center, Douglaston, New York. The principal celebrant was Bishop Robert Brennan. The homilist was Father Hilaire Belizaire and the special concelebrant was Father Richard J. Hoare. Burial was at Saint Charles Cemetery, Farmingdale, New York.
Franklin “Frank” Gregory
September 13, 1935- December 2, 2024 (age 89)
Frank and his beloved wife of 63 years, Roberta, raised their family in Brooklyn, later retiring to Lebanon, NJ. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Frank cherished time with his children, 27 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. His faith, love of music, and endless curiosity continue to inspire his family.
Frank is survived by his wife Roberta; children Margaret (Kenneth), Francis (Debra), Teresa, Mary Catherine, Virginia (Anthony), Robert (Joan), John (Colleen), and Eileen (Brian); siblings Frances Pavick and Daniel Gregory; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter, Catherine Marie, and nine siblings.
Calling hours will be on Monday, December 9, from 4-8 PM at Scarponi-Bright Funeral Home, Lebanon, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, December 10, at 10 AM at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Whitehouse Station, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Xavier Mission at xaviermission.org/donate.
