Fr. Paschal Rosca O. De M.

Father Pasquale (Paschal/ Pat) Rosca, O.de M.- age 88

After receiving the consolation of the sacraments, Fr. Pasquale passed away Tuesday, March 14th at Regina Health Center where he was a resident for nearly two months.

Fr. Pasquale was born February 9, 1935 to Michele and Camilla Corlito in San Nicola Baronia, Avellino, Italy.  He is survived by his religious Mercedarian Confreres; his sister, Nicolina (husband Deacon Mel Nygaard - deceased), his brother Rocco Rosca (wife Annette) and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Fr. Pasquale entered the Mercedarian Friars of the Roman Province in the Fall of 1949 at the Monastery of Our Lady of Mercy, Nemi, Italy.  He made First Profession of Vows on the 24th of September 1955.  Upon completing studies at San Martino ai Monti, Rome, Italy, he studied Philosophy and Theology at the Gregorian Pontifical University, Rome Italy.  Father was ordained a Priest on the 14th of July 1963 at the Friar’s Shrine of Our Lady of Carpignano, Avellino, Italy.

Father was assigned to Our Lady of Mercy Parish, San Vito dei Normanni, Brindisi Italy from 1963-66.  In 1966, Father was sent to the United States.  He was assigned to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, Cleveland OH in May of 1967.  At Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Fr. Pasquale was responsible for the Altar Servers, the “Golden-agers club” and was the spiritual moderator of the ladies Sacred Heart Sodality.  In 1969 Father was assigned to the Mercedarian House of Studies in Niagara Falls, NY for a short period of nine months, after which he returned to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel until he was transferred to Saint Rocco Parish, Cleveland OH, in September 1976.

At Saint Rocco Parish, Father served as Parochial Vicar from 1976 until 2018 when he officially “retired”. He remained in residence at the parish as a Conventual Friar helping as he could.  As Parochial Vicar, Father Pasquale was responsible for the Altar Servers, the CYO, and taught religion in the parish elementary school; was spiritual moderator of several parish organizations: The ladies Holy Family Sodality, the SCU men’s club, the Mercede Confraternity.  For nearly twenty years Father was very active with the “Christ Renews His Parish” and “Renew” Programs at the parish. Father enjoyed working with the parishioners in preparing and setting up for the annual festival - always ready with a hammer in his hands or a role of duck-tape as needed. He was a “point-person” for whatever was needed.  He enjoyed a round of golf when he had the chance and enjoyed walked around the neighborhood or parish property for “exercise.” In 1977 Father began to serve as Spiritual Director for the Holy Name Society – Northwest Deanery.  In 1984 he received the Medallion Circle Award from Bishop Anthony Pilla in recognition for Father Pasquale’s dedication to the Holy Name Society.  Father was named Spiritual Director of the Year for the same Society in 1985, 2001, 2007 and 2012.

In 2015, during the Centennial Year of the annual Saint Rocco Festival (Parish’s Patronal feast day celebration) celebrated on Labor Day Weekend, upon the requests of the Local Superior and the Very Reverend Father Provincial of the Mercedarian Friars, His Holiness, Pope Francis, bestowed upon Father Pasquale the Papal Cross of Honor: “Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice”.  This is one of the highest honors the Holy Father may bestow upon Religious or Laity.  In 2018, on the solemn celebration of the feast of Saint Rocco on Labor Day Weekend, Father Pasquale was honored as “Il Padrone della Festa” (the “father” of the feast).

Father Pasquale had a great love and devotion to Our Lady of Mercy and the Mercedarian Order.  He was often appointed Local Superior and served several times as a member of the Vicarial Council for the Friars.  He was very eclectic in his appreciation of the arts; going to and watching Opera’s, Musicals and various productions; from Luciano Pavarotti to ABBA…he had a love for music.  In his later years he very much enjoyed watching various cooking channels. He also enjoyed gardening; finding much joy in planting – especially beans - and working in the parish garden.  He often could be seen eating in the garden and giving away the fresh tomatoes and vegetables to neighbors and parishioners.  He will be remembered for his ready smile, hard work and loving patience.

Friends will be received Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at Saint Rocco Church, 3205 Fulton Road, from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. Vespers will be prayed at 3 p.m. The Very Rev. Matthew Phelan, O.de M.Vicar Provincial, Celebrant. Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, March 23rd at 11:00 a.m. The Most Rev. Martin J. Amos, Principal Celebrant. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to: “Saint Rocco Strong” Capital Campaign for classroom in the school to be dedicated in Fr. Pasquale’s memory.