BAYONNE—A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated June 14 at Saint Vincent de Paul Parish for Rev. Msgr. Edward F. Wojtycha, 95, who died June 8.
Born in Jersey City, he was pastor emeritus of Saint Andrew Parish in Bayonne. He attended Saint Peter’s Preparatory School, Jersey City, Seton Hall University, South Orange, and continued his education at Immaculate Conception Seminary, Darlington.
Last year he celebrated the 70-year anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood (see The Catholic Advocate, June 18, 2008). He was ordained June 11, 1938.
His assignments in the archdiocese included: Saint Vincent de Paul Parish, parochial vicar and administrator; Our Lady of Mercy, Jersey City, pastor; and Saint Andrew Parish, pastor. He also served as an auxiliary naval chaplain at the Bayonne Naval Base.
Msgr. Wojtycha founded the Saint Vincent Drum and Bugle Corps, which won 10 national championships and 22 state championships from 1946-1959.