Paul Andrew Brigandi

Paul Andrew Brigandi, 92, a lifelong servant of Christ, entered eternal rest on April 27, 2018 after a life of faithful service to others. Born June 9, 1925, he was the sixth child of Sicilian parents Gaetano and Maria Brigandi. He graduated St. Bernard’s Seminary in 1954 and served the spiritual needs of fellow Catholics for six decades, starting in Norwich, and then in Endicott, Binghamton, Syracuse, Baldwinsville, Oswego, and finally returning home to Syracuse’s North Side as he closed his formal, devoted religious life, and once again became a private citizen. Following his Catholic faith, Paul counseled and exemplified living in service to others, offering charity to those in need, and seeking to be obedient to God’s plan. Above all, he was a humble follower of Christ. The pinnacle of his faith was the opportunity to read at a private papal mass for His Holiness, Saint John Paul II at Castel Gandolfo, the Pope’s summer palace in Italy. After his love of God, he most cherished his Italian heritage and family connections. His lifelong role was to keep his large extended family close. He worked diligently as the Brigandi-Giordano family patriarch, constantly connecting and visiting siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, and cousins, whether they be here in the States or residing in his ancestral Italy. Paul considered this, second to his religious devotion, to be the most important role of his life. We know he is happily reunited and celebrating with his parents, siblings, and countless cousins at a large table in Heaven, enjoying the cultural dishes and abundant flavors his failing health denied him in later life. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings, Catherine Venditti (Michael); Mary DeBenedittis (Vincenzo); Peter Brigandi (Luendella); Col. Joseph Brigandi (Gertrude); Connie Giordano (Umberto), and Carmela Brigandi; and special cousins Vincenzo (Rosalia) Visalli of Torregrotta, Giuseppe (Angela) Grosso of San Cono, and Angela (Rocco) Visalli of Spadafora, Sicily. Recently, he suffered the loss of his nephew Guy Brigandi. He is most respectfully and lovingly survived by many nieces and nephews, Mary Anne and Gelsomino Venditti; Frank DeBenedittis (Rosa); Anne Marie DeBenedittis; Mary Lou Brigandi Murphy; Donna Brigandi Moloney; Cindy Brigandi Amerine (David); Stephen Brigandi; Lisa Brigandi Pawczuk (James); Frank Giordano (Barbara); and Thomas Giordano (Joyce). In addition, among his close cousins, he leaves Angelo and Rosita Cannata, who faithfully served him throughout his life, and to whom the Brigandi family wishes to extend our heartfelt gratitude. The family also extends special thanks to Paul Fiacco, MD and family for their passionate care of Paul. To the countless parishioners who loved Paul, rest assured he will continue to guide and pray for you from Heaven. In keeping with Paul’s express wishes for a simple celebration to honor him and his faith, a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions are welcomed at Cathedral Academy at Pompei, 923 N. McBride St., Syracuse, NY 13208.

Paul Andrew Brigandi

June 9, 1925 - April 27, 2018