Deacon Vincent Francis DeBiase, 86, a retired deacon of St. Margaret Church, Middle Village, died Sept. 20. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Margaret Church, Sept. 24. He was 86.

A veteran of the U.S. Army, who served in the First Infantry Division, 1946-49, he was ordained to the permanent diaconate 1985 by Auxiliary Bishop René Valero.

At St. Margaret, he was actively involved in religious education, ushering, performing baptisms, reunions, ministry of the sick and diaconal ministries during liturgies.

“Deacon DeBiase was an integral part of the life of the parish,” said Msgr. Steven Aguggia, pastor of St. Margaret Church. He served “not only as a deacon and all that that ministry entailed here at St. Margaret’s, but also as a long-time dedicated parishioner and member of the community.”

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Dolores (Castoria), three children: John (Sheila), Mary Ellen Mieszkowski (Stanley) and Frank (Georgette) and seven grandchildren: Vincent, Amy, Emma, Jill, Sean, Ryan and Daniel.

Burial was in St. John’s Cemetery, Middle Village.