Deacon Gerard K. Steffens, an incardinated deacon of the Diocese of Brooklyn, died Aug. 15.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Aug. 19 at Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church, Nesconset, L.I.

Deacon Steffens was born on July 19, 1942 and was raised in Ridgewood.

He was ordained to the Diaconate on Dec. 2, 1978.

He served in the Diocese of Brooklyn at St. Matthias parish, Ridgewood, until his move to the Diocese of Rockville Centre in 2000, where he ministered at Holy Cross Church.