Fr. Paul Minchak, O.F.M. Cap.

The Capuchin Franciscan Friars of the Province of St. Mary mourn the death of their brother Father Paul Minchak, O.F.M. Cap., who died on January 15, 2017 in Dobbs Ferry, NY at the age of 73.
Paul Minchak, the son of Martin and Helen Minchak was born in Yonkers, NY on February 18, 1943. He attended Sacred Heart Grade School, Yonkers [1948-57] and St. Mary Seminary, Glenclyffe, Garrison, NY [1957-61].
Paul entered the Capuchin Franciscan Friars on August 31, 1961 at St. Lawrence Friary, Milton, MA. He professed his perpetual vows on September 1, 1966 at Mary Immaculate Friary, Garrison, NY. Father was ordained to the priesthood by His Excellency, Most Reverend Joseph M. Pernicone, Auxiliary Bishop of New York on November 8, 1969 at Sacred Heart Church, Yonkers, New York.
In preparation for priesthood, Father completed his B.A. in philosophy studies at St. Anthony Friary, Hudson, NH [1962-66]. He continued his theological studies at Mary Immaculate Theological Seminary, Garrison, NY [1966-69] and Maryknoll School of Theology, Ossining, NY [1969-70]. In 1971 Father also received a MA in History from Seton Hall University, S. Orange, NY.
Following his studies at Seton Hall and a short period as chaplain of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd in Peekskill, NY, Father Paul taught at St. Mary Seminary, Garrison [1971-74] and briefly ministered as a vocation recruiter. He continued teaching at St. Anthony High School, Smithtown, NY [1974-1975].
Before beginning his missionary career, Father Paul served as Novice Director for the Province of St. Mary at St. Lawrence Friary, Milton, MA [1976-79] and St. Francis Friary, Garrison, NY [1979-81] were he also served as Guardian.
In 1975 Father Paul would begin his 31 years as a missionary to Guam and Hawaii as a member of the Star of the Sea Vice Province. Father served at St. Francis, Yona [1975-76] and Our Lady of Peace and Safe Journey, Chalan Pago Ordot [1981-84].
From 1984-2013 Father Paul served in several parishes in the Diocese of Honolulu including Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Ewa Beach [1984-1994]; St. Anthony, Kailua [1996-98]; Sacred Heart, Honolulu [1998-99], Our Lady of Good Counsel, Pearl City [1999-2002] & Resurrection of the Lord, Waipahu [2002-13]. Father return to the home province in 2013 and resided at St. Clare Friary, Yonkers, NY.
Father was survived by his brother Eugene and his wife Ellen [Pearl River, NY], his three sisters Clare Kmetz [Easthampton, MA], Janice Osowicki [Pensacola, FL], Celeste Akins and her husband Gary [Philadelphia, MS]and their children.
Viewing will be held at Whalen and Ball Funeral Home, 168 Park Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10703 [914] 965-5488] on Friday, January 20, 2017 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 7:00-9:00 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at the Monastery Church of the Sacred Heart, 110 Shonnard Place, Yonkers, NY at 11:00 a.m. The Interment will be held at the Province of St. Mary Cemetery, Yonkers, NY following the funeral liturgy.
Whalen & Ball Funeral Home
168 Park Ave.
Yonkers, N.Y. 10703
(914)965-5488
www.whalenandballfh.com