The 95th birthday of Msgr. Eugene Feldhaus was celebrated by friends and family on June 11 at Café Cardini, New Hyde Park.

About 17 people gathered, including Msgr. Feldhaus’ nieces, Carol Palmer of Westhampton Beach, L.I., and Joan Feldhaus of Huntington, L.I.; his great-nephew Charles Palmer of Westhampton Beach, along with wife Terry and son Steven; his great-niece Patricia Killian and husband Charles; and friends Tom and Robbie Van Buskirk of Floral Park, L.I., and Andy and Jo Eichner of Setauket, L.I.

Also present were three former students: Dick Gunther of Hopewell Junction, N.Y., who was joined by wife Louise; Fred Olsen of Fairfax, Conn. with wife, Brenda; and John Casey of Astoria.

Msgr. Feldhaus taught English and speech classes at Cathedral College, first in Brooklyn, then in Douglaston, from 1947 to 1975.

The dinner was not entirely a surprise for the monsignor, “he thought he was just going out to dinner with a few family members,” his niece Carol explained. “But we decided to reach out to some of his former students and friends, and the result was quite overwhelming.”

“Initially, monsignor looked very surprised,” Gunther said, “but he soon recovered.”

As dinner was served, Gunther said that Msgr. Feldhaus offered “a personal and beautiful blessing of the food.”

Gunther couldn’t help but marvel at monsignor’s “fine memory” as he and fellow students exchanged and looked at old photographs of days spent in English class.

“We all loved him,” Olsen said, “but I have to say, he was a tough teacher.” Gunther and Casey both nodded in agreement.

During Msgr. Feldhaus’ 20-year tenure teaching at Cathedral, he was also moderator of the St. Thomas More Society, directed plays and even wrote and saw a performance of his own play, “The Quality of Mercy.” During this time, he also found the time to attend graduate classes at nearby St. John’s University to obtain his doctorate degree in English.

After leaving his teaching profession, Msgr. Feldhaus was appointed as pastor of St. Gregory the Great, Bellerose, where he developed a friendship with parishioners like the Eichners. Along with other dedicated parishioners, they began what has now become a 36-year-long tradition featuring 10 days of international food and music and carnival rides for the kids – the very popular Gregorian Summer Festival.

After retiring as pastor in 1982, he continued to help at St. Gerard Majella, Hollis, and Incarnation, Queens Village.

“He doesn’t know the meaning of the word ‘retirement,’” says Van Buskirk. Monsignor’s niece agreed wholeheartedly, saying that even while summering in Hampton Bays, he helped the pastor at Most Holy Trinity for 20 years, saying Sunday morning Masses at the East Hampton church.

Msgr. Feldhaus was ordained in 1946 and will celebrate 70 years as a priest next year. He is the only living member of his 1946 ordination class, according to his niece Carol, who read letters from guests who were unable to attend, including one from former student Jim Kennedy of Brooklyn and Connecticut, who recently moved to Vermont. Kennedy related how he would have lunch with Msgr. Feldhaus about once a month, traveling from his Connecticut home to visit with this “remarkable priest and close friend.”

Other letters from former students expressed gratitude for having been fortunate to have such a great English teacher who helped create an appreciation for and love of the English language that prepared them for success in later life.

Former student John Boyne of Pennsylvania summed it up best when he wrote, “Suffice it to say, that the values, sensibilities and skills you imparted have affected everything your students have done, from special work reports to more in-depth human relationships.”

Since 2008, Msgr. Feldhaus has lived at the Bishop Mugavero Residence for Priests, Douglaston. He still says Mass at local parishes, and makes visits to the elderly and infirm. He currently holds the distinction of being the oldest priest in the Diocese of Brooklyn, which is “hard to believe,” Casey says, “especially when you look at him and witness his vim and vigor.”

The intimate dinner was hosted by Msgr. Feldhaus’ two nieces, Carol and Joan. A brochure that included the menu, family pictures and a short history of his priestly career was handed out to all. After dinner, he cordially visited each of the tables and shared his appreciation to all his guests. Before leaving, everyone joined in for an encore of “Happy Birthday” as they exchanged goodbyes and vowed to come back in five years to celebrate his 100th birthday.