‘A Dedicated, Faith-Filled Priest’
Father Angelo Pezzullo, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn, died on Feb. 6, 2025, at age 88. He was born on Oct. 30, 1936, in New York and was ordained to the priesthood on June 2, 1962. Father Pezzullo served the Diocese of Brooklyn as parochial vicar for the parishes of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary-St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr (Ozone Park), St. Fortunata (East New York), Immaculate Conception (Astoria), St. John the Evangelist (Brooklyn), and St. Joseph Patron of the Universal Church (Brooklyn). He was in residence at the parish of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary-St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr.
“Father Angelo, as we called him, was a dedicated, humble, and faith-filled priest,” said Father John Tino, the current pastor of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary-St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr. “His priesthood was a source of strength, comfort, and guidance for many people.” Father Tino noted that throughout his 31-year tenure at the Ozone Park parish, Father Pezzullo never hesitated to visit and administer the sacraments to those faithful who were sick in hospitals, calling them “my family.” He added that “even during weekdays, when no confessions were scheduled, Father Angelo would make himself available to anyone who might want to have their confessions heard.”
A vigil Mass for Father Pezzullo was celebrated on Feb. 20 at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary-St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr. The principal celebrant was Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Paul Sanchez, and the homilist was Msgr. Fernando A. Ferrarese.
The funeral Mass for Father Pezzullo was celebrated on Feb. 21 at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary-St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr. The principal celebrant was Bishop Robert Brennan; the homilist was Msgr. Robert J. Thelen; and special concelebrants were Msgr. Joseph Grimaldi, Msgr. Fernando Ferrarese, Msgr. Robert Thelen, Father Peter Purpura, and Father
John Tino. Interment followed at Calvary Cemetery, Woodside.
Sister Barbara Mary Lynch, a Sister of St. Joseph for 67 years, passed away on Nov. 21, 2024, while receiving care at Stella Maris Convent, Rockaway Beach.
Having grown up in Brooklyn, her parents, John and Dorothy Lynch, provided a Catholic home and education for Barbara in Our Lady Help of Christians Elementary School and St. Agnes Seminary High School. The faith was uppermost in the Lynch’s daily life, and nurturing it led to Barbara’s vocation, as well as vocations to the priesthood — the Jesuits — for four of five of Barbara’s older brothers, all of whom are deceased.
She was given the name of Sister Ignatia Maria in 1958 and loved being called an “Honorary Jesuit.” Sister Barbara’s entire ministry was in education in the Diocese of Brooklyn. Having received a BS in education from Brentwood College in 1962, she touched students’ lives in St. Pascal Baylon, St. Mary Mother of Jesus, and St. Athanasius Schools.
Her degrees in English from Middlebury College and library science from St. John’s University led to 12 happy years in Stella Maris H.S. (1976-1988) and in Bishop Kearney High School for 27 years as a teacher of English and as a librarian.
Sister Barbara’s interests and talents were tapped at Stella Maris as coordinator of the speech team and at Bishop Kearney as moderator of the concert and marching band as well as its culture club. Her love for the students engendered their response in academics.
Sister Barbara lived and worked in St. Athanasius covent/parish for 44 years and was dedicated to a variety of activities, including lector, children’s choir, parish council secretary, advocacy for handicapped persons, and RCIA. In both the convent community life and the parish scene, Sister Barbara exuded joy, peace, and a zest for life. She was a real community presence.
Sister Barbara’s wake was held at St. Athanasius Church on Nov. 25, 2024, and her funeral was celebrated by Very Rev. Michael J. Lynch, with Msgr. David Cassato as homilist, in Sacred Heart Chapel, Brentwood on Nov. 26, 2024, followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery on the Motherhouse grounds.