Fr. Simeon Distefano O.F.M., passed to eternal life on the morning of December 4, 2023 at Mary Manning Walsh Home in Manhattan at the age of 87. He was born in Bronx, New York on June 20, 1936, and was baptized Carmelo. He was received into the Franciscan Order on August 15, 1954; made his temporary profession of vows on August 16, 1955; professed Solemn Vows on August 16, 1958; and was ordained a priest on June 15, 1963. After graduate studies in Milan, Fr. Simeon served the Province in a variety of ministries- in initial formation, secondary education, parochial ministries, and Provincial Administration. He was Headmaster of Serra High School in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, and was pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Mount Vernon, New York; Saint Michael Church in Waterbury, Connecticut; and St. Anthony of Padua Church, New York City. He was also Secretary of the Province and Chaplain of Mary Manning Walsh Home in Manhattan.
Wake and Viewing: S. Anthony of Padua Church, New York City Saturday, December 9- 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM Funeral Mass to follow at 11:00 AM Burial: Mount Alvernia, Wappingers Falls