The Reverend John Conti
October 10, 1921 - November 8, 2020
Don Gianni, Zio, Poddy, Compare, John and Gianni, Father John, was embraced by God into his tender care on Sunday, November 8, 2020 at the well-lived age of 99. He passed on peacefully in his sleep.
Fr. John Conti was born to Giuseppina Natoli and Francesco Conti on October 10, 1921 in the small town of Canneto, on the Aeolian Island of Lipari, Italy. He was the second of six children; Pina, Bartolino, Bernardino, Adalgisa, and Irma. Growing up on the islands he found his love of the sea. He loved to fish. He also helped his mother and grandmother harvest crops and prepare them for winter storage. He learned to live off the land and sea.
He attended the seminary in Acireale, Sicily and was ordained as a priest on July 21, 1946.
While his brothers and sisters emigrated to Sydney, Australia in the late 40’s and early 50’s. Fr. John stayed behind to serve the parishes of the islands; San Cristoforo in Canneto, San Pietro in Panarea, San Bartolomeo in Stromboli. His grandmother stayed behind and was by his side until her death.
In 1968 Fr. John emigrated to the United States to serve in The Archdiocese of New York. His first assignment was at Holy Family Parish in Staten Island, followed by St. Lucy’s in the Bronx, St. Benedict’s in the Bronx, Holy Rosary in Staten Island and back to St. Lucy’s, before his retirement.
In his retirement, Fr. John made regular visits to Australia and Italy. His many nieces and nephews in Australia loved him and always looked forward to the times when he would be with them. They, in turn, visited him in New York or visited him on the Aeolian Islands. When in Australia, he was sought out by his ex-parishioners that had emigrated there and loved reminiscing and keeping him up to date with their lives.
His extended family in New York knew how lucky they were to have him here. His cousins, Frances, John and Ursula were his “siblings” on this side of the world.
Fr. John was a man of many talents, a Renaissance Man - “the man, the myth the legend.” First and foremost, he was a man of God. He had many talents: fisherman, carpenter, boater, underwater spear fisherman, gardener, cook, house builder, boat builder, furniture builder, plumber, and electrician. He could build or fix anything. He also enjoyed joking around and was a bit of a prankster. He loved God, his family and his friends. He enjoyed music, art, singing and his daily espresso. He could be heard reciting old Sicilian poetry. He was unforgettable and loved life and nature. . His love of the sea was immeasurable Everyone was embraced by his spirit.
His was a life well-lived and a gift to all who crossed his path.
Fr. John Conti is survived by his sister Adalgisa Tonitto, his beloved nieces and nephews in Australia, his cherished and beloved life long friend, Giuseppe Mollica and wife Tiziana. His cousin Ursula Pannunzio and all his New York family. And those with whom he lived: his Goddaughter, Joan Hernandez, husband Carlos, Carol Menchini, husband Gino and their children; Marc Hernandez (Eric), Steven Hernandez, wife Maggie (Brian, Julia, Sophia), Lauren Menchini, and David Menchini (his fishing protégée).
He will be tremendously missed by all, and our memories of him will live on forever.
Reposing on Thursday, November 12, 2020 9:15 am at Immaculate Conception Church, 53 Winter Hill Rd. Tuckahoe, NY 10707 (Parking in back, off Rt 22). Christian Burial Mass at 10:30 am. Interment to follow at St. Charles Cemetery , 2015 Wellwood Ave, Farmingdale, NY 11735.
Cemetery Site: Section 24. The entrance gate is across from the airport, off of New Highway.
In lieu of flowers donations In Memory of Fr. John Conti: Legion of Christ College, Attn: Fr. Timothy Walsh, L.C. Rector, 475 Oak Avenue, Cheshire, Connecticut 06410.