Thomas A. DeStefano, retired Executive Director of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Brooklyn, died on April 24 from complications related to the coronavirus. He was 82.

DeStefano started at Catholic Charities in 1969 as Assistant Director of Child Care. In 1979, he became the fi rst lay
Executive Director of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Brooklyn. After 33 years of service to the Diocese of Brooklyn and the poor and struggling residents of Brooklyn and Queens, he retired in 2002 and went on to serve briefly as President of Catholic Charities USA and then, several years, as a Board Member of Catholic Charities Neighborhood Services, Inc., Sts. Joachim and Anne Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Family Home Care and Care at Home agencies.

“His vision for Catholic Charities was to see it as an agent of change, building caring communities rooted in the second great commandment, ‘Love your neighbor,’ said Msgr. Alfred LoPinto, President & CEO of Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens, in an official statement.

“Tom’s faith drove his commitment to service. He lived the Eucharist and attended morning Mass daily up until his recent illness, Msgr. LoPinto added.

He leaves behind his beloved family, his wife Joan, daughter Kristin and son Glenn, daughter-in-law Lily, and five grandchildren.