Rev V. James Lauducci's Obituary
Rev. V. James Lauducci, 87, of Forestport, NY, passed away Wednesday, May 18, 2016. He was born in Syracuse, son of the late Vincenzo and Josephine Lauducci. He attended North High School, Le Moyne College, Syracuse University, St. Jerome’s College in Ontario and Christ the King Seminary in Olean. Ordained a Roman Catholic Priest of the Diocese of Syracuse in 1957, he ministered as an Associate Pastor at St. Mary the Assumption Church in Binghamton and St. Cecilia’s Parish in Solvay. He served at Rome Catholic High School as a teacher, Junior Counselor, and Athletic Director. As the A.D. he conducted the fund drive to initiate their school’s football program. His remaining 33 years in active ministry were spent as Campus Minister at Utica College and SUNY Institute of Technology, as well as teaching at St. Elizabeth School of Nursing. Father Jim was instrumental in initiating Marriage Encounter in the Utica-Rome area and served as the Executive Priest many years. He was also instrumental in the establishment of the Covenant Community for students, faculty, and families in Utica. He was well versed in the Enneagram Personality Programs and offered presentations regularly for over 20 years. During his retirement he found much spiritual fulfillment in presenting retreats and workshops at our local retreat centers. Co-ministering with him was his camp at Kayuta Lake that served his students and friends during both the summer and winter seasons with activities including water skiing, canoeing, cross-country skiing, and sledding along with a good Italian meal and a warm fire in the fireplace. It was used not only as a gathering place but also a spiritual center for prayer walks and retreats.
Father Jim is predeceased by one sister, Lucille Valerio; three brothers, Eugene, Nicholas and Anthony.
He is survived by one brother, Robert living in Oklahoma; local nieces and nephews are Peggy Dorfer, Virginia Granteed, Mary Erin Saccoman, Charles, and Kenneth; and many others residing out of state, also his close friend, Arleita.
Special thanks to the staff of Westchester Neighborhood of Masonic Home and Daughters for Hire for their compassion and support.
A Funeral Service in celebration of Rev. V. James Lauducci’s life will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, May 27, 2016 at the Utica College Newman Center, 1600 Burrstone Rd., Utica, NY. Burial will be in Assumption Cemetery, Syracuse, NY. Calling hours will be from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm on Thursday, May 26, 2016 at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Unity Acres, PO Box 153, Orwell, NY, the Francis House, 108 Michaels Ave., Syracuse, NY 13208 or The Bowman House, 731 Lafayette St., Utica, NY 13502.
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