A Mass of Christian burial for Msgr. Joseph P. Bynon, former superintendent of schools and former pastor of Resurrection-Ascension, Rego Park, was celebrated Jan. 8 in the chapel at Immaculate Conception Pastoral Center, Douglaston.

He was 85.

Born in Brooklyn and baptized at St. Anthony of Padua Church, Greenpoint, Msgr. Bynon attended Cathedral College, and Immaculate Conception Seminary, Huntington. He was ordained June 2, 1956 by Archbishop Thomas E. Molloy at St. James Pro-Cathedral, Downtown Brooklyn.

He served as an assistant at St. Dominic, Oyster Bay, 1956; Blessed Sacrament, Jackson Heights, 1956-60, and then began special studies at Catholic University, Washington, D.C.

He also did graduate studies at Columbia University, earning a doctorate from its Teachers’ College in 1969.

In 1961, he was named assistant superintendent of schools, and served as diocesan superintendent of schools from 1973 to 1976.

He was appointed as episcopal vicar for Vicariate A in 1976, serving until 1982 when he became pastor of Resurrection-Ascension.

He also served the diocese on many committees such as the Personnel Board, board of directors of the Pastoral Institute, Budget Committee, Priestly Formation Committee, Presbyteral Council, and the Diocesan Board of Consultors.

He was named a monsignor in 1977 and a Protonotary Apostolic in 1997.

He retired from active duty in 2002 but volunteered for several tours of duty as a pastor at a parish in the Bahamas.

In 2010, he moved to Bishop Mugavero Residence for retired priests in Douglaston.

Auxiliary Bishop Raymond Chappetto was the main celebrant of the funeral Mass. Special concelebrants included Msgrs. Joseph Nagle, John Tosi, John Bracken, Joseph Nugent and Very Rev. Thomas Pettei.

Retired Bishop Emil Wcela of Rockville Centre, preached the homily.

“Msgr. Bynon’s life was built on three solid foundation stones: faith, family and friends,” shared Bishop Wcela.

“He treasured the faith he served so well in his priesthood, whether in parish life, in the schools office, as vicar, in his final years in retirement.

“He was a much-loved member of a broad extended family,” the bishop noted. “He was a true friend, who valued his friendships, especially with (retired Auxiliary) Bishop Rene Valero, with whom he shared so many experiences.”

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