Rev. Msgr. Francis X. Gaeta

Father Frank helped me gain a spiritual base in my life. He helped me through the RCIA program at St. Bridgids.

My mother, Lydia Radcliffe Peck, who passed away in 2019 (at age 98) was the school nurse at St. Joseph The Worker; she often spoke highly of Father Gaeta. Up until a few years ago, when I had to downsize considerably, I still cherished the beautiful LP (a.k.a., "album"...this was 1963, mind you!) of the school's choir singing Christmas carols. That was a sad, sad year for me (my mom had been a widow since 1954, when I was quite little, and President Kennedy later loomed large in my young...

This wonderful man had a kind and loving heart. He made all feel welcome. He took us from "holy hour to happy hour." I was new to the parish in 1997 and traveled back to Brooklyn to go to mass. After listening to Fr. Frank, I felt I had a new Church home.

I remember back in 1987, when we found out that our pastor at St Brigid´s, Fr. Fred Schaefer, would be leaving us. What would we do without him? I remember praying fervently for whomever the bishop would assign to us, and honestly, I was quite worried. Of course, I didn´t have to worry, as I quickly learned. Father Frank was one of the most special priests I have ever had the privilege of knowing. His warmth, concern and incredible spirituality was always evident-whether it was from Holy...

I first met Father Frank at Saint Brigid's in 1997 when I was part of the RCIA program. I remember him as a kind, loving person who spent a lot if time answering my questions and offering me guidance. I just today googled his name to find him, and was saddened to hear of his recent passing. May he rest in the arms of the angels.

We were so blessed to have him as our Pastor at St Anthony´s Rocky Point. He had such a special gift. I remember he needed to raise money for the parish - he challenged the parishioners with using their "Talents " - who had garage sales, kids had car washes, babysitting, baking, tailoring etc. It was such a success. Then he had this very innovative idea - he asked parishioners to borrow $1,000 for 18 months, after the 18 months he´d return their money - during that time he would bank the...

I remember Monsignor Gaeta at St. Bridgits, where my sister in law Mickey was the cook. What a wonder man and priest. I will pray for him, as I am sure he always prayed for us. Maria Sarlo, sister in law of Michelina Sarlo-Gambale. Another angel in heaven. Rest in peace !!

Father Father was a wonderful pastor who I had the privilege to work for when I was a teacher at SSCM. His laughter and loving matter was contagious and because of him, people young and old enjoyed attending his mass services. I was blessed to have him marry my husband and I. After returning from my honeymoon, I walked into my classroom and there was a gift from Father Frank. It was our first Nativity set. I still put it out every Christmas season and think of him. Rest in Peace.

For almost 60 years I have called Fr.Frank Gaeta friend and brother. His presence filled a room with love, laughter, faith in Jesus and inexhaustible energy. He connected people, reconnected the alienated and energized every community he served in. His Easter Vigils were five hours but the church was packed. His sunrise services were often cold and sunless but the beach was packed. Though pre-cana was dreaded by some, he made them memorable. His confessional lines were long because he...