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Robert Cipriano Obituary

Revered Robert P. Cipriano 1939-2012 Co-Founder of Priests for Life Fr. Bob was born March 28, 1939 in Buffalo, New York, where his parents, Anthony and Luiza [Ciocca] Cipriano, raised him, along with his brother Anthony. After earning his undergraduate degree in Foreign Languages (emphasis on French and Spanish) at Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania, Fr. Bob taught high school, and then in the mid-1960s, travelled out to San Francisco where he worked as an employee training counselor. He and a friend, Robert Kiefer, then worked together in the restaurant business in Santa Rosa where they met Fr. Jerald Thomas, a priest of the Diocese of Santa Rosa, now retired. Fr. Thomas helped awaken their faith. Both men entered the seminary within a few years of each other and were ordained to the priesthood, remaining lifelong friends. Fr. Bob Cipriano began his studies at Holy Apostles Seminary in Cromwell, Connecticut, and completed his studies at Saint Patrick's Seminary. He was ordained May 9, 1987 by Archbishop John Quinn, and served as a parochial vicar at Saint Elizabeth Church and Saint Mary's Cathedral in San Francisco, and Saint Gregory Church in San Mateo, before being assigned as Pastor of Saint Rita Church in Fairfax in 1998. Father Cipriano served at Saint Rita for six years before being appointed Rector of the National Shrine of Saint Francisco, where he served until retiring in 2009. In recent years, Father Bob had resided at Saint Brendan Church in San Francisco, and at Saint Mary Star of the Sea in Sausalito. Friends are invited to attend a visitation on Friday, October 12, from 9:00 am - 10:00 am at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption, 1111 Gough St., San Francisco. A Funeral Mass will commence at 10:00 am followed by Committal Services at Holy Cross Cemetery. Online condolences may be offerred at www.vmpandco.com

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Published by Marin Independent Journal on Oct. 7, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Cipriano

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Grace Tullis

October 15, 2012

After a period of disbelief at the passing of Father Cipriano, an overwhelming sense of gratitude came over me. I am grateful for the short period of time I was able to spend with Father Cipriao. It had been 2 weeks prior to his passing that he joined us at our Cenacle and was our "guest of honor" at our Pot Luck Party afterwards. His parting words when he left the party were "Mention Our Blessed Mother and I will be there!" I am also thankful Father Cipriano said "yes" to the call to be a priest.He served God's people with his heart. He was a gentle soul, madly in love with Jesus Christ and Mary, Mother of Jesus and Mother of Priests.Father's presence blessed many lives.He has left an enduring impression on my heart, soul and mind. I cherish the beautiful holy card with his radiant smile. Looking at his cheerful countenance brings much solace, knowing he is home, enjoying his eternal reward.He will be forever in my memory and prayers, and his spirit will live on within my heart.

Sally

October 15, 2012

Father Bob, incredibly reassuring, kind and wise, gave blessings to my sister, mother and father. His presence was so very soothing, a presence which came from his clear passion, abundant appreciation of others and his wonderful sense and understanding of the Word. I believe anyone who met Father Bob would respond to his warmth and charm, eminating from sincerity, assuredness and compassion. I was so fortunate to have met him at these urgent times in my life. I am forever appreciative of this amazing person, who looked after our family and provided solace to all who were in his company. Thank you Father Bob -- now and forever. I am thinking of you with great admiration and gratitude beyond words. From the bottom of my heart, I thank my sister Peggy, who introduced me to Father Bob and took care of seeing to the important issues of our days. With love.

Elianne

October 14, 2012

I only met Father in the last months of his life, attending a few Wednesday evening Masses at St. Mary Star of the Sea in Sausalito before moving to Arizona. But the impression he made on my heart and spirit by his passion for God, his love for our Blessed Mother, and his understanding of what it means to stand strong in and for our Faith went very deep. I had the feeling that he saw a lot more than he could say, and that he was preparing us for a time up ahead when things could get very tough for Catholics. Bless his beautiful soul. With gratitude, Elianne

John Del Rosso

October 12, 2012

I met Fr Bob thru Julia Pechia who met him at St Elizabeth and became good friends even watching his cat. I then saw him again at my parish, St Gregory, and at St Rita where my cousin Carie Allen lived and befriended him. I even went to Julia's 100 Birthday party at Laguna Honda which Fr Bob arranged. She is still there at 106 and he went to see her on her birthday. He was a nice person, a wonderful priest, and will truly be missed as was shown by the great amount of people at his funeral.I'm sure God has a special place for him in heaven. Rest in peace and pray for us. Sincerely, John Del Rosso.

Cristina Gonzalez

October 12, 2012

I will miss Father Bob dearly. He co-officiated at my wedding and had given me and my husband many years of spiritual guidance. He was the God Father to our daughter Monica. I have never met someone with such happiness and joy as in Father Bob. You will be missed dearly

Sheila Towns

October 11, 2012

I couldn't help but notice what is probably a typographical error in the heading..."Revered" rather than "Reverend"...but how truly appropriate! For Fr. Bob Cipriano was truly revered, awe-inspiring, open in sharing his thoughts and feelings, and a true Champion of the Catholic Church and its doctrines...most especially, he was a committed believer in Our Most Blessed Mother-Mary, the Mother of God- and the powerful relationship she had with her son, the Son of God-Jesus Christ...his focus was the Power of Love between the two...and how to tap into that Love Relationship...When Fr. Cipriano came to Our Lady of Loretto Parish to help out Fr. McCain, his homilies drew many back into the fold...After Father McCain left in July, Father Cipriano was scheduled to say the 4th anniversary July 30th Mass for our deceased son, Dan...Ifilled him in just a few minutes before the Mass on the circumstances of Dan's death...his homily was powerfully re-assuring as he spoke of God swooping down to catch him in His loving arms as he fell from a rooftop to carry him back home...at that time he shared his e-mail address with me and we became close e-mail pals...I started attending his 2 Catechism classes in August as I found his classes so profound...and in fact sat next to him in his last class the day he died...It is most significent that Fr. Cipriano died on the Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels (which he totally believed in) at the hour of Divine Mercy (3:00-4:00)...and that with the time change a day later in Italy, the 3rd of October is the feastday of St. Cipriano! The loss of this most holy man leaves a hole in my heart..Like many others, I'll miss him...but the good news is...we have a new intercessor to pray to...that we all be re-united together...in the next life...to enjoy forever-the Beatific Vision...Love, Sheila

Nilan Family

October 10, 2012

My family was blessed to have met Fr. Cipriano. While at Our Lady of Loretto for a short time we were fortunate to have Fr. speak at my Mother's funeral service. He was an exceptional speaker and many guests commented how much they enjoyed the service. He had a way with words that got your attention, in a kind and gentle way. We will miss you Fr.and only wish we had the opportunity to get to know you better. Rest in Peace....

Diane Biasotti-Hain

October 10, 2012

I thank God for the gift of Fr. Bob Cipriano. He was our Pastor at St. Rita, and always a great homilist and guide in helping us to follow the true teachings of our faith. He was also a kind, compassionate, and generous man who went out of his way to help and support my family at the time of my sister's death in 2004. He didn't know my sister (who lived in the east bay)but this is the type of man (and priest)he was. I can imagine Our Lord saying,..."Well done, good and faithful servant." Father, may you rest in peace, we will always miss you! Love, Diane Biasotti-Hain

October 10, 2012

Ithank God for the gift of Fr.Bob Cipriano. He was our Pastor at St. Rita and always a great homilist and guide in helping us to follow the true teachings of our faith. He was also a kind, compassionate, and generous man who went out of his way to help and support my family at the time of my sister's death in 2004.He didn't know my sister(who lived in the east bay) but this is the tupe of man, (priest) he was; Ican imagine Our Lord saying,..."Well done, good & faithful servant."May you rest in peace Father,we will always miss you! Diane Biasotti-Hain

October 9, 2012

Father Cipriano was truly a man of faith and of God. There was not one homily that did not reveal a pearl of wisdom. I loved to hear him say " What an awesome God we have" I will miss him. God rest in peace, Fr Bob.
Rita Freeman

Moriah Stafford

October 9, 2012

Most Reverent Priest with one of the most brilliant minds I have ever met. His insight, discernment and theological teaching was unmatched in my experience. He was a great debater and wonderful story teller.
I remember many exceptional stories but one in particular is when someone knocked on his door while he was at St Francis of Assisi in S.F. wanting him to answer a few questions. Fr. Bob wanted first to get permission from the Archdiocese as the man wanted to film the interview.
A few days after the session the stranger returned with a huge rug which he carried on his shoulders. The rug was very expensive and good quality. There was enough to carpet the entire church which we now have at the Shrine where we now all enjoy it.
The stranger went on to use this interview for evangelization as he WAS a Moslem.
I love you Fr. Bob and I will miss you. Until we meet again my friend!
Moriah

Moriah Stafford

October 9, 2012

Most Reverent Priest with one of the most brilliant minds I have ever met. His insight, discernment and theological teaching was unmatched in my experience. He was a great debater and wonderful story teller.
I remember many exceptional stories but one in particular is when someone knocked on his door while he was at St Francis of Assisi in S.F. wanting him to answer a few questions. Fr. Bob wanted first to get permission from the Archdiocese as the man wanted to film the interview.
A few days after the session the stranger returned with a huge rug which he carried on his shoulders. The rug was very expensive and good quality. There was enough to carpet the entire church which we now have at the Shrine where we now all enjoy it.
The stranger went on to use this interview for evangelization as he WAS a Moslem

Ricardo&Anna Lisa Lemos

October 8, 2012

God Bless Fr. Bob. He welcomed us with open arms at St. Rita. He kindly blessed our home, and baptized our sixth child, Lucas. May God's perpetual light shine upon his faithful soul. Fr. Bob please pray for us!

Emmy

October 7, 2012

Fr. Cipriano was a brilliant priest. He was a guest at Our Lady of Loretto in Novato for a few months, and we are blessed to have had him. My family is saddened to hear of his passing. Rest in peace, Fr. Bob.

Ernest (Ernie) Gargas

October 7, 2012

I will miss Fr. Cipriano's smile and hugs. He was a gentle soul and always had a smile. My mother, wife and I will miss him a great deal. God needed another angel and took Fr. Bob Cipriano. He died on my mother's birthday-The Holy Guardian Angels Day.
I will always remember Fr. Cipriano and pray both for him and to him.

October 7, 2012

My dear friend of 61 years has passed to his richly deserved reward. We met in 7th grade and really got close at Lafayette High School in Buffalo, N.Y. Our paths diverged but we kept in touch, especially with our mutual friends.

In 1969 I visited him in San Francisco, fell in love with the area and returned to stay five months later. He helped me find an apartment and feel welcome offering his home until I got settled.

There's not enough space to say all the wonderful things about my friend. I talked to him last month to see if he was planning to attend our 55th high school reunion. I knew he wasn't in the best of health so I wasn't surprised when he said he wanted to come but he wasn't sure.

As luck would have it, the reunion was last night and none of us knew of his passing until reading his obit in the Sunday morning paper here in Buffalo. My wife Lynn and I will attend the memorial service.

Chasing him around the different parishes in which he served always gave more insight into his vast warmth and capabilities. He will be sadly missed by myself, Lynn and our daughters Andrea and Audra. Rest in Peace Bob!

With Deep Love -- Bob Castiglione

Donna Ryan

October 7, 2012

No sooner was I home from vacation on friday when I got news that one of the most influential people in my life had passed away while I was away.

Father Robert (Bob) Cipriano was my former Pastor and my friend.  His influence made me a better Catholic.  He helped me want to learn more about the teachings of the Catholic Church and apply them to my life.  His homilies were thought provoking and seemed to always be relevant to some aspect of my life.  I appreciate the traditions and rituals of my faith more than I had before because he so appreciated them and it rubbed off on those around him.

Father Bob counselled me after my divorce and also con-celebrated at my Dad's funeral Mass 10 years ago along with my current Pastor.

The last conversation I had with Fr. Bob was when I called him for his birthday.  The conversation included him counselling me on my anger with God for allowing my Mom to suffer through all she was going through.  As always, Fr. Bob had a way of helping me through my pain.  Mom passed away less than two months later.

Fr.  Bob had a huge impact on my life and I will truly miss him.

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