Reverend Mike Parrotta R.I.P.

 

From Brian Harrington, Investiture 1961:

 

Earlier this year, well-known & highly respected S.M.M. alum Fr. Michael Parrotta learned that his cancer had metastasized, and further medical intervention was not possible. Sadly, I now reportt that Fr. Mike passed away in Hospice care on October 14, 2022.

A native of Ozone Park, N.Y., Mike Parrotta enrolled at Montfort Prep Seminary in 1952 after graduating from St. Mary Gate of Heaven grammar school. He played varsity sports at MPS. Mike (a gentle giant) excelled in two of them. In soccer he was a fullback feared by opponents because of his size. He was strong and could kick a soccer ball fifty yards or more when clearing it from the goal he was defending. In baseball, he was the varsity catcher and field boss and the standout power hitter on the team. He could be an outspoken tease of fellow students but never a nasty one. We liked him, and he liked us.

He was invested in 1958 and entered Novitiate in Hartford City, Indiana. Following first Profession of vows in 1959, he began Major Seminary studies in Litchfield, Ct. At the conclusion of the 1962 academic year, Mike declined renewal of his vows and departed the S.M.M. after ten years of study.

Mike never quite abandoned his interest in priestly ministry. Years later, as a “delayed vocation” candidate, he resumed seminary education and was accepted for ordination by the Bishop of Fargo, North Dakota. Subsequently, with the approval of that Bishop, he requested and received a transfer to Florida to help a cancer stricken, neglected young woman, whom he later adopted. For the past 12 years, Fr. Mike has been on staff, serving parishioners at:

St. Rita's Catholic Church

13645 Paddock Drive

Wellington, FL  33414

(561) 793-8544

Dennis Kelly, RIP

 From Brian Harrington:

Heartfelt goodbye and thank you to Montfort alum Dennis Kelly. Dennis passed away at age 75 on 9/26/2022 while in memory care in Myrtle Beach, SC.

A Montfortian for just 2-years, he liked everyone he knew, and we liked him.

Dennis attended St. Mary Gate of Heaven grammar school in Ozone Park, NY and St. Leonard’s High School in Ridgewood, NY. Immediately thereafter he entered the S.M.M. in Hartford City, Indiana as a novice. He made his first profession of vows in August of 1966. The following month he began his college education at St. Louis University while residing at the McPherson Avenue residence of the S.M.M. After completing a first year at SLU, Dennis declined renewal of his vows, departed SLU, and returned to Queens County, NYC.

Those of us who knew him, especially remember his remarkable musical talent. Though he didn’t read sheet music, Dennis could pick up a random musical instrument, fiddle with it awhile and 15 minutes later, play a song on it. He sang and played guitar as a member of “The New World Singers” one of several Montfortian folk singing groups formed in the 1960s. Taken during his novitiate, the attached photo of that group includes [L to R]: George Sullivan, Jack Callery, Jack Lyons, George White, Steve Palmer, Larry Cullen, and Denis Kelly.

After his departure, Dennis sought to establish a new career path. He accepted a job as a New York City bus driver and did gigs as a recording studio session musician. He joined the Nassau County Police Department, from which he retired after 20 years of service. After that he became President of a private security service that offered protective services to entertainers, celebrities, and diplomats during their visits to the New York City metropolitan area.

A funeral Mass for Dennis took place at St. Mary Gate of Heaven Church and his remains have been interred at St. Charles Cemetery in Farmingdale, NY. Should you wish to send condolences to his wife Cathie, she may be reached by e-mail at: howell5632@aol.com or by telephone at 516-330-5958. In lieu of flowers, Dennis' family suggested that memorial contributions in his name be made to a foundation devoted to assisting victims and families of those afflicted with life threatening childhood diseases.

Katie McBride Foundation

506 Lakeville Road

New Hyde Park, NY 11040

May he Rest in Peace.

Brian Harrington

Investiture Class of 1961 

 

[L to R]: George Sullivan, Jack Callery, Jack Lyons, George White, Steve Palmer, Larry Cullen, and Denis Kelly.

 

 

Fr. Jerry Fitzsimmons

Prayers are requested for Jerry Fitzsimmons, SMM, as he deals with his recent diagnosis of ALS (Lou Gehrig disease). In his own words:".. your prayers put me in his (God's) presence and the power of his love." He let us know that he will be doing everything he can to work with the doctors, be a realist like the Blessed Mother, and that he will "Let God be God, in unconditional love." (Thanks to Lucille  Feeser for sharing this.)

Rev. Gerald Fitzsimmons, SMM

In other SMM news, Matt Considine, SMM, was recently appointed pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Manorville NY