Search by Name

Search by Name

BORN

1946

DIED

2023

Romulus Rosolowski Obituary

Rosolowski, Fr. Romulus (Leonard Anthony), OFM Conv.

1946 - 2023

77, a Franciscan Friar of Our Lady of the Angels Province, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at Mercy Hospital in Buffalo, NY. Born in Buffalo on September 15, 1946, he was the eldest son of the late Leo and Florence (nee Zielinski) Rosolowski. After graduating from Bishop Ryan High School in 1964, he entered the Novitiate of the Conventual Franciscans in Ellicott City, MD, professing first vows on August 15, 1965. He completed his undergraduate studies at St. Hyacinth College Seminary in Granby, MA, during which time he professed solemn vows on August 15, 1968. After earning a Bachelor's degree in 1969, he traveled to Rome, where he studied at the Pontifical Faculty of Saint Bonaventure ("the Seraphicum") until 1973. He completed his M.Div. at St. Anthony-on-Hudson Seminary in Rensselaer NY in 1974. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 11, 1974. His first assignment as a friar-priest was to the high school apostolate, teaching at Cardinal O'Hara between 1974-1976. He then served as Associate Pastor of Corpus Christi parish in Buffalo, until 1979, when he requested to work in the province's mission in Ghana. He served in West Africa from 1979-1983. The remainder of Fr. Romulus' ministerial priesthood was spent in parochial settings: St. Francis of Assisi, Hamburg NY (1983-86); St. Casimir, Baltimore MD (1986-91); Pastor of St. Paul Church, Atlas PA (1991-94); Administrator of St. Stanislaus Kostka, St. Michael, St. Mary parishes, Shamokin PA (1994-95); Co-Pastor of St. Paul, Kensington CT (1995-96); Pastor of Holy Family, St. Casimir & Emerich, and ?t. Columba parishes near Hooverville, PA (1996-2005); a second stint at St. Francis in Hamburg (2005-2008); Our Lady of Victory Basilica, Lackawanna NY (2008-2023). Fr. Romulus is survived by his siblings, Robert (Kristin) Rosolowski, Sr. M. Rosalind Rosolowski, CSSF, Dennis Rosolowski, David (Patricia) Rosolowski and like a brother to Mark Yourdon; also survived by loving nieces and nephews Thomas (Jessica), Natalie, Wade (Kathryn), Chelsey (Justin), Hannah (Erik); great nephew Parker; cousins, parishioners, many friends and the Conventual Franciscan Friars. Visitation hours will be held Thursday, November 2, from 3pm-7pm, at Our Lady of Victory Basilica (767 Ridge Road, Lackawanna NY 14218), with a Franciscan Wake Service at 7pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, November 3, at 10am in the Basilica, followed by burial in Saint Stanislaus Cemetery, Buffalo NY. Arrangements by JOHN J. KACZOR FUNERAL HOME, INC. Share condolences at www.kaczorfunerals.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Buffalo News on Oct. 31, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Romulus Rosolowski

Not sure what to say?





Brenda L. Whelan

November 7, 2023

You were a great teacher during my days at O'hara. Always patient and kind! RiP
Sr. Brenda, RSM

Theodore W. Plandowski

November 4, 2023

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Barbara Bukolt

November 2, 2023

I am Fr. Romulus's first cousin, Barbara. My father John and his father Leo
were brothers. Fun memories growing up visiting at each other 's houses
were always filled with laughter & games. He chose the right vocation which
suited him perfectly. His parents were very proud, as we all were very proud
of our cousin, who chose to serve Our Lord. May he be part of God's home
for eternity. Deepest Sympathy & Blessings upon his family, Barbara & Earl Bukolt

Delphine B Verdi

November 2, 2023

Father Romulus was a comforting figure of dedication to our faith and to our Blessed Mother.
He was also a respect life hero as he was a witness for life each Tuesday of 40 Days for Life at 2500 Main St.

He will be missed.
Delphine and Tony Verdi

Mel Crotzer, President, HRC

October 31, 2023

Fr. Romulus was known simply as Padre to the members of the Hamburg Racquet Club, where he was a member for many years. Padre was an excellent tennis player, competitive, supportive of the HRC organization and a friend to all. His passing was a shock. He will be greatly missed.

William J Brainard

October 31, 2023

GOD BLESS FATHER as he sure made me feel blessed when i was at one of his Masses.

David & Sharon Collins

October 31, 2023

We feel so blessed to have known this wonderful man! He will be truly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him! Keeping his family in our daily prayers.
The Collins Family

Bob McGurn

October 31, 2023

God Bless Fr. Romulus and his family. He was a wonderful priest,kind and caring.

Marcia Kumiega

October 31, 2023

My deepest sympathies to the family. He was a wonderful person and priest. Rest in Peace

Paul piniewski parishioners

October 31, 2023

I have known father Romulus for some time he was a fine priest rest in peace my friend

Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results

Make a Donation
in Romulus Rosolowski's name

Memorial Events
for Romulus Rosolowski

Nov

2

Visitation

3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Our Lady of Victory Basilica

767 Ridge Road, Lackawanna, NY

Nov

2

Wake

7:00 p.m.

Our Lady of Victory Basilica

767 Ridge Road, Lackawanna, NY

Nov

3

Mass of Christian Burial

10:00 a.m.

Our Lady of Victory Basilica

767 Ridge Road, Lackawanna, NY

How to support Romulus's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Romulus Rosolowski's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more