Rev. Joseph C. Ansaldi

Monsignor Joseph C. Ansaldi, former vicar of Staten Island and principal emeritus of St. Joseph by-the-Sea High School on Thursday November 12, 2015 at the age of 79. For almost his entire life in the priesthood, Monsignor Ansaldi's name would become synonymous with his beloved St. Joseph by-the-Sea, as a teacher, assistant principal, and 27 years as principal. He was named a monsignor in 1990 by the late Pope John Paul II. The following year he was named as co-vicar for Staten Island by the late Cardinal John J. O'Connor, a position he maintained until 1998. He stepped down to devote more of his time to Sea. From 2009 to 2011 Monsignor Ansaldi served as principal emeritus and taught French and German at Sea. Since reaching the mandatory priest retirement age of 75, he had been serving as a chaplain at St. Peter's Boys High School, New Brighton, and St. Joseph Hill Academy, Arrochar, and as a chapel assistant at Monsignor Farrell High School, Oakwood. Paralleling his service to Sea, Monsignor Ansaldi was also a beloved fixture at St. Charles R.C. Church in Oakwood, where, as a weekend associate, he was known for his warm style and cogent sermons. He was true to form Sunday at the 12 noon mass, when he read the gospel according to Mark, telling of a poor widow whose two-coin donation meant more than the offerings of those who gave from their surplus wealth. In his homily, Monsignor Ansaldi told how, in the style of the''Antiques Roadshow''TV show, he once sold World War II-era family dolls to an antiques dealer, only to see soon after that they were being resold for many times what he was given. Born in and raised in Manhattan, Monsignor Ansaldi was ordained to the priesthood in 1962 in St. Patrick's Cathedral by the late Cardinal Francis Spellman. His first assignment as a priest was to Staten Island, where he was in residence at Mount Loretto, the Mission of the Immaculate Virgin, in Pleasant Plains. He taught for a year and was a dean of the girls' residence, which was then located on the waterfront side of Hylan Boulevard, across the street from the present site. He was a history teacher at Cardinal Hayes High School in the Bronx, from 1963-1978. He earlier served as parochial vicar at St. Dominic's R.C. Church, also in the Bronx. He joined the faculty at Sea in 1978, where he taught American history, religion and French. He was named principal in 1982. Monsignor Ansaldi celebrated his 50th ordination to the priesthood in 2012. Choosing to downplay his accomplishments as an administrator, however, he said at the time he'd rather focus on offering prayers and thanksgiving for his 50 years of service to God through the priesthood. They also recalled how he would often bring his beloved dog, Sea-Sea, a Boston Terrier, to school with him. He could often be seen striding down the hallway with Sea-Sea in tow, stopping so students could pet and greet the dog. Monsignor is the beloved son of the late Vincent and Angelina. Loving brother of Louis, John and Vincent. He was a devoted Uncle to his many nieces and nephews. A gathering of family and friends will take place at St Charles RC Church on Hylan Blvd & Penn Ave. on Sunday evening form 7-9 p.m. and on Monday from 2-7 p.m. at St. Charles Church. Mass of the Holy Eucharist will be celebrated on Monday at 7 p.m. Bishop John O’Hara will be the celebrant. Monsignor Thomas Bergin will deliver the homily. Monsignor Ansaldi will lie in state on Wednesday at St James the Apostle Church, 14 Gleneida Ave. Carmel NY from 9:30 until 11:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11:00 a.m. Bishop John O’Hara will be the celebrant and Monsignor Anthony Marchitelli will deliver the homily. Interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Hawthorne, NY. Funeral Arrangements entrusted to the JOHN VINCENT SCALIA HOME FOR FUNERALS INC. 28 ELTINGVILLE BLVD. (at Eltingville Station). Donations In his memory may be made to: The Msgr. Joseph C. Ansaldi Education Fund C/o St. Charles Church 644 Clawson Street Staten Island NY 10306

Rev. Joseph C. Ansaldi

January 17, 1936 - November 12, 2015