Date of death: 11/2/2023
Saint Meinrad Class: T 1985
Reverend Anthony Andrew Wojcinski, 82, passed away November 2, 2023, (All Souls’ Day).
Survived by his sister, Alfreda Burkett; brother, Louis M. Wojcinski (Donna); numerous nieces and nephews; and great nieces and nephews, as well as all his fellow priests, deacons and sisters of the Diocese of Pueblo. Preceded in death by his parents, and sisters, Patricia and Mary.
Born in Massillon, Ohio to Andrew A. and Palage (Budny) Wojcinski on October 9, 1941, he was fourth of five children. Upon graduating from Central Catholic High School in Canton, Ohio, he entered the Novitiate of the Baltimore District of the Brothers of the Christian Schools at age 17. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree from LaSalle University, Philadelphia in Business Administration in 1964 and in 1972, a Master of Arts in Theology from the same university. In 1979, he received a Master of Social Work degree from St. Louis University. During his twenty-four years as a Christian Brother, he was a religious superior and a high school principal twice. After receiving a dispensation from perpetual vows in the Brothers of the Christian Schools, Fr. Tony was accepted to study for the priesthood in the Diocese of Pueblo in 1983. He attended Saint Meinrad School of Theology for three semesters beginning in the fall of 1983 and received a Master of Theological Studies degree in 1985. He was ordained a deacon at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart on the Feast of the Holy Family in December 1984 by Bishop Arthur N. Tafoya. On April 13, 1985, Bishop Tafoya traveled to Fr. Tony’s home parish of St. Mary in Massillon, Ohio to ordain him to the priesthood.
His first assignment was as parochial vicar at Holy Family Parish in Pueblo. In August of 1985, he was appointed Diocesan Coordinator for Parochial Schools. In the summer of 1986, he was appointed temporary administrator of St. Peter Parish, Rocky Ford and its mission of St. Peter, Ordway and St. Joseph the Worker, Manzanola.
In July, 1987, he was assigned as a full-time chaplain at Fremont Correctional Facility in the East Cañon Complex of the Colorado Department of Corrections. In November, 1992, he was assigned as a full-time chaplain at the newly opened Federal Corrections Facility in Florence, CO. In July, 1993, Bishop Tafoya appointed him as Rector of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. In addition to his duties as rector, he was also the Diocesan Master of Ceremonies.
He worked diligently to reduce the debt incurred by the renovation of the Cathedral in 1989. After his sabbatical in 2001, he was assigned to St. Columba Parish and St. Columba School in Durango, CO where he served as pastor from 2001-2002, resigning for health reasons. He was Moderator of the Curia in 2002.He served as pastor of St. Francis de Sales and Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Lamar, CO from 2002-2005. He was then appointed pastor of St. Leander Parish, Pueblo where he served from 2005-2011. He retired from active ministry in 2015.
Upon his retirement, he served the Diocese of Pueblo as sacramental help at numerous parishes throughout the Diocese. Fr. Tony will be remembered as a dedicated minister to the people of God, always showing love, kindness and a welcoming spirit to all he encountered. The family of Fr. Tony wish to express their gratitude to his caregivers: Parkview Hospital, Deb Rendón, Lynette Belkin, Steve Martinez, Alyssa Pennington and Deacon Phil “Blue” Medina.