A Mass of Christian Burial for Msgr. Nicholas W. Sivillo, was celebrated Tuesday, April 14 at Our Lady of Hope Church, Middle Village, where he had been pastor from 1988 to 2009. He died on April 10 at the Bishop Mugavero Residence in Douglaston. He was 76.
Born in Brooklyn, he was baptized in St. Joseph’s Church. He attended Cathedral College, and Immaculate Conception Seminary, Huntington. He was ordained May 30, 1964 by Bishop Bryan J. McEntegart at St. James Pro-Cathedral, Downtown Brooklyn.
He served as an assistant at Nativity B.V.M., Ozone Park, 1964-75; St. Francis of Assisi, Astoria, 1975-82, and then was appointed to the Office of Catholic Education where he served as coordinator of family life, 1982-88.
He also has served on the Diocesan Priests’ Personnel Board, and as chaplain for the N.Y.S. Housing Police and the Sons of Italy.
From 2008 to 2013, he continued to reside at Our Lady of Hope rectory.
Bishop Raymond Chappetto was the main celebrant of the funeral Mass. Special concelebrants included Msgrs. Anthony Hernandez, George Schuster, John Strynkowski, Jamie Gigantiello, David Cassato, and Fathers Joseph Fonti, Kevin Abels, Michael Carrano, Dominick Cutrone and Robert Armato. Msgr. Otto L. Garcia preached the homily.
“He was a priest through and through,” Msgr. Garcia said.
“In everything he did, his priestly personality came through in his service and complete dedication to the needs of the people. “He was devoted to anything that had anything to do with the sacramental ministry to the people.
“He was especially dedicated to helping couples on their way to marriage. In all that he did, he rarely thought of himself, if at all. He always thought of people and their needs.”
Msgr. Garcia said he and Msgr. Sivillo were friends for more than 40 years.
“As a friend, he was always joyful. He found the humor in everything. He spoke his mind respectfully and he listened to what was being said.
“His basic personality never changed. He always kept the enthusiasm of a young priest. But I’m sure with time he grew wiser with the experiences that he had.
“He will always be remembered for being a very fine priest and I’m sure God has rewarded him.”
Msgr. Sivillo is survived by four siblings: Sister Mary Sivillo, C.S.J., Catherine Lafferty, Joseph Sivillo and his twin brother Anthony of Port Jefferson, L.I.
Burial was in St. John’s Cemetery, Middle Village.
I loved Msgr. Sivillo, he was more than a beloved Msgr., he was family!
He performed Funeral & Burials for both My Parents, Baptised all the family Grandchildren, Counseled My Mother and Myself in times of Difficulty. I remember His Gentleness of Heart as He Cried at my Mother’s Wake, How He encouraged Me to Speak at my Father’s Funeral, and I am forever grateful to him for that! I Also Remember His Smile, Enthusiasm & Humor that made going to Mass a Pleasure! I know God is rewarding him now for the Blessing he was to us all! R.I.P. my Dear Friend, Family & Blessing!! I Love you and Miss you! ticon You are forever in my Heart! <3
I awlays loved Nicholas Sivillo he was a very good priest and I was at his funeral and I think he will stay in heaven for now…he baptized me too
That was great
He was a generous man with love and heart
He was so sweet
It was a pleasure meeting his twin brother
It was a pleasure meeting his twin brother Anthony
Had a funny smile
My wife & I met Monsignor Sivillo @ Bishop Mugavero residence – He touched both our hearts, He is surely missed – May he rest in peace with GOD