Rev. Roberto Balducelli
Rev. Roberto
Balducelli, OSFS
Funeral Services for Fr. Roberto are as follows: a visitation is being held on Tuesday, August 13, from 1 to 7 pm at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 9th and DuPont Sts., Wilmington, DE with Vespers at 7 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 14, at 11 am at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. (There will not be a viewing prior to Mass). Interment is 2 pm at the Oblate Community Cemetery, Childs, MD.
Condolences may be sent to his sister, Maria, in care of: Rev. Nicholas Waseline, OSFS, St. Anthony of Padua Church, 901 N. DuPont St., Wilmington, DE 19805.
In lieu of flowers, it was Fr. Roberto's request that you consider a contribution to the Oblate Retirement Fund, P.O. Box 87, Childs, MD 21916-0087.
Published in The News Journal from August 12 to August 14, 2013
Additional bio from MidAtlantic Memorials:
Rev Roberto Balducelli OSFS
Roberto, a priest with the Oblate of St Francis de Sales for 77 years as a priest, died on August 9 just 100 inutes shy of his 100th birthday at the retirement center of his religious community in Childs MD.
A Wilmington legend, Roberto was born in Costeluccio (Bologna), Italy, on August 10, 1913. He graduated from Collegio Murialdo in Albano in 1928, after which he entered the Rome Minor Seminary and the Oblate Novitiate in Marin. In 1930, he was professed and became a student at Propaganda Fide University in Rome, followed by three years at the University of Fribourg in Switzerland where he received his education in philosophy and theology, along with a major in art.
He was ordained to the priesthood on July 12, 1936, in Fribourg, Switzerland at St Peter Canisius Church. The first year of his priesthood was spent as superior of the Oblate Minor Seminary in Albano, Rome. For two years following, he assisted at Our Lady of Hope Church in Paris, France. From 1939 to 1946, Fr Roberto returned to Albano to teach at the Oblate Scholasticate.
Fr Roberto came to America in 1946 to serve as assistant to Fr J Francis Tucker OSFS, founding pastor of St Anthony of Padua Church in Wilmington DE, and then as assistant to Fr Joseph McCoy OSFS, second pastor of St Anthony's.
In 1959, Fr Roberto was appointed Pastor of St Anthony of Padua. He was first and foremost a priest seeking to fulfill the spiritual needs of his people, a shepherd looking after all the needs of his flock and dedicating his
priesthood to showing those in need that God and his people love them enough to help them. Fr Roberto's achievements include the development of lay leadership and volunteerism; the vision of the parish as an extended family; and the
extension of this "family" concern to a broad range of community needs beyond the parish serving all without distinction.
Fr Balducelli was also a great builder. His vision, spirit, and hands built two schools, St Anthony's Grade School and Padua Academy, a new parish house, the establishment of three convents for the sisters associated with the Parish,
and a summer camp, St Anthony's in the Hills, developed on 140 rolling acres in Kaolin PA, all constructed by the famous St Anthony's Construction Company, with volunteer labor at substantial savings and Fr Roberto as the CEO. He worked daily at the camp until two months prior to his death.
As the people of the community are of all ages and social and cultural backgrounds, the needs of the community are varied. To address these needs, Fr Roberto established St Anthony's Community Center, one of the largest social
service agencies in the state, providing daycare for children, a senior activity center, and an extensive social services program. Fr Roberto is also responsible for the founding of the Hilltop Renewal Association Program, a
program of housing rehabilitation, reconstruction and new housing development.
The Antonian, a 138-unit high rise apartment building for the elderly was constructed on the old Wilmington Armory site with state and federal assistance. The lease was Fr Roberto's kind of deal$1.00 for 99 years. Along side the Antonian, the old Drill Hall was converted into a two story comprehensive Senior Center with a few community development grants, a corporate grant, and volunteer
labor.
Other very noteworthy achievements of Father Roberto include - Recipient of the Pro Ecclesia and Pontifice Award given by Pope John Paul II - Awarded "Commendatore" by the Italian Government - Honorary Ph.D. in Humanities from DeSales University, Center Valley PA - Honorary Ph.D. in Humane Letters from Goldey-Beacom College, Wilmington DE - The foundation of the first educational supplement foundation for aid to pupils and schools - The founding of the Wilmington Friends of Italian Culture - The expansion of the "Parish Carnivale" to the "Italian Fesitval" - The annual production of the Via Crucis
Fr Roberto never lost faith and St Anthony's was growing and building. Father met the challenges of the changing times, and the changing needs with new institutions and new programs. He was an outstanding clergyman who truly saw
God in all his fellow men and women. Each accomplishment has been marked with the stamp of Fr Roberto's spirit, a distinctive blend of engaging humility, winning gentleness, deep faith, unfailing charity, a great sense of humor, and
absolute disregard of self.
In addition to his Oblate religious community, Father is survived by his sister, Maria, who lives in Italy.
Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Wednesday, August 14 at St Anthony of Padua Church in Wilmington DE. Interment followed at the Oblates of St Francis de Sales Cemetery in Childs MD.
Rev. Roberto
Balducelli, OSFS
Funeral Services for Fr. Roberto are as follows: a visitation is being held on Tuesday, August 13, from 1 to 7 pm at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 9th and DuPont Sts., Wilmington, DE with Vespers at 7 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 14, at 11 am at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. (There will not be a viewing prior to Mass). Interment is 2 pm at the Oblate Community Cemetery, Childs, MD.
Condolences may be sent to his sister, Maria, in care of: Rev. Nicholas Waseline, OSFS, St. Anthony of Padua Church, 901 N. DuPont St., Wilmington, DE 19805.
In lieu of flowers, it was Fr. Roberto's request that you consider a contribution to the Oblate Retirement Fund, P.O. Box 87, Childs, MD 21916-0087.
Published in The News Journal from August 12 to August 14, 2013
Additional bio from MidAtlantic Memorials:
Rev Roberto Balducelli OSFS
Roberto, a priest with the Oblate of St Francis de Sales for 77 years as a priest, died on August 9 just 100 inutes shy of his 100th birthday at the retirement center of his religious community in Childs MD.
A Wilmington legend, Roberto was born in Costeluccio (Bologna), Italy, on August 10, 1913. He graduated from Collegio Murialdo in Albano in 1928, after which he entered the Rome Minor Seminary and the Oblate Novitiate in Marin. In 1930, he was professed and became a student at Propaganda Fide University in Rome, followed by three years at the University of Fribourg in Switzerland where he received his education in philosophy and theology, along with a major in art.
He was ordained to the priesthood on July 12, 1936, in Fribourg, Switzerland at St Peter Canisius Church. The first year of his priesthood was spent as superior of the Oblate Minor Seminary in Albano, Rome. For two years following, he assisted at Our Lady of Hope Church in Paris, France. From 1939 to 1946, Fr Roberto returned to Albano to teach at the Oblate Scholasticate.
Fr Roberto came to America in 1946 to serve as assistant to Fr J Francis Tucker OSFS, founding pastor of St Anthony of Padua Church in Wilmington DE, and then as assistant to Fr Joseph McCoy OSFS, second pastor of St Anthony's.
In 1959, Fr Roberto was appointed Pastor of St Anthony of Padua. He was first and foremost a priest seeking to fulfill the spiritual needs of his people, a shepherd looking after all the needs of his flock and dedicating his
priesthood to showing those in need that God and his people love them enough to help them. Fr Roberto's achievements include the development of lay leadership and volunteerism; the vision of the parish as an extended family; and the
extension of this "family" concern to a broad range of community needs beyond the parish serving all without distinction.
Fr Balducelli was also a great builder. His vision, spirit, and hands built two schools, St Anthony's Grade School and Padua Academy, a new parish house, the establishment of three convents for the sisters associated with the Parish,
and a summer camp, St Anthony's in the Hills, developed on 140 rolling acres in Kaolin PA, all constructed by the famous St Anthony's Construction Company, with volunteer labor at substantial savings and Fr Roberto as the CEO. He worked daily at the camp until two months prior to his death.
As the people of the community are of all ages and social and cultural backgrounds, the needs of the community are varied. To address these needs, Fr Roberto established St Anthony's Community Center, one of the largest social
service agencies in the state, providing daycare for children, a senior activity center, and an extensive social services program. Fr Roberto is also responsible for the founding of the Hilltop Renewal Association Program, a
program of housing rehabilitation, reconstruction and new housing development.
The Antonian, a 138-unit high rise apartment building for the elderly was constructed on the old Wilmington Armory site with state and federal assistance. The lease was Fr Roberto's kind of deal$1.00 for 99 years. Along side the Antonian, the old Drill Hall was converted into a two story comprehensive Senior Center with a few community development grants, a corporate grant, and volunteer
labor.
Other very noteworthy achievements of Father Roberto include - Recipient of the Pro Ecclesia and Pontifice Award given by Pope John Paul II - Awarded "Commendatore" by the Italian Government - Honorary Ph.D. in Humanities from DeSales University, Center Valley PA - Honorary Ph.D. in Humane Letters from Goldey-Beacom College, Wilmington DE - The foundation of the first educational supplement foundation for aid to pupils and schools - The founding of the Wilmington Friends of Italian Culture - The expansion of the "Parish Carnivale" to the "Italian Fesitval" - The annual production of the Via Crucis
Fr Roberto never lost faith and St Anthony's was growing and building. Father met the challenges of the changing times, and the changing needs with new institutions and new programs. He was an outstanding clergyman who truly saw
God in all his fellow men and women. Each accomplishment has been marked with the stamp of Fr Roberto's spirit, a distinctive blend of engaging humility, winning gentleness, deep faith, unfailing charity, a great sense of humor, and
absolute disregard of self.
In addition to his Oblate religious community, Father is survived by his sister, Maria, who lives in Italy.
Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Wednesday, August 14 at St Anthony of Padua Church in Wilmington DE. Interment followed at the Oblates of St Francis de Sales Cemetery in Childs MD.
Rev. Roberto Balducelli
Rev. Roberto
Balducelli, OSFS
Funeral Services for Fr. Roberto are as follows: a visitation is being held on Tuesday, August 13, from 1 to 7 pm at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 9th and DuPont Sts., Wilmington, DE with Vespers at 7 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 14, at 11 am at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. (There will not be a viewing prior to Mass). Interment is 2 pm at the Oblate Community Cemetery, Childs, MD.
Condolences may be sent to his sister, Maria, in care of: Rev. Nicholas Waseline, OSFS, St. Anthony of Padua Church, 901 N. DuPont St., Wilmington, DE 19805.
In lieu of flowers, it was Fr. Roberto's request that you consider a contribution to the Oblate Retirement Fund, P.O. Box 87, Childs, MD 21916-0087.
Published in The News Journal from August 12 to August 14, 2013
Additional bio from MidAtlantic Memorials:
Rev Roberto Balducelli OSFS
Roberto, a priest with the Oblate of St Francis de Sales for 77 years as a priest, died on August 9 just 100 inutes shy of his 100th birthday at the retirement center of his religious community in Childs MD.
A Wilmington legend, Roberto was born in Costeluccio (Bologna), Italy, on August 10, 1913. He graduated from Collegio Murialdo in Albano in 1928, after which he entered the Rome Minor Seminary and the Oblate Novitiate in Marin. In 1930, he was professed and became a student at Propaganda Fide University in Rome, followed by three years at the University of Fribourg in Switzerland where he received his education in philosophy and theology, along with a major in art.
He was ordained to the priesthood on July 12, 1936, in Fribourg, Switzerland at St Peter Canisius Church. The first year of his priesthood was spent as superior of the Oblate Minor Seminary in Albano, Rome. For two years following, he assisted at Our Lady of Hope Church in Paris, France. From 1939 to 1946, Fr Roberto returned to Albano to teach at the Oblate Scholasticate.
Fr Roberto came to America in 1946 to serve as assistant to Fr J Francis Tucker OSFS, founding pastor of St Anthony of Padua Church in Wilmington DE, and then as assistant to Fr Joseph McCoy OSFS, second pastor of St Anthony's.
In 1959, Fr Roberto was appointed Pastor of St Anthony of Padua. He was first and foremost a priest seeking to fulfill the spiritual needs of his people, a shepherd looking after all the needs of his flock and dedicating his
priesthood to showing those in need that God and his people love them enough to help them. Fr Roberto's achievements include the development of lay leadership and volunteerism; the vision of the parish as an extended family; and the
extension of this "family" concern to a broad range of community needs beyond the parish serving all without distinction.
Fr Balducelli was also a great builder. His vision, spirit, and hands built two schools, St Anthony's Grade School and Padua Academy, a new parish house, the establishment of three convents for the sisters associated with the Parish,
and a summer camp, St Anthony's in the Hills, developed on 140 rolling acres in Kaolin PA, all constructed by the famous St Anthony's Construction Company, with volunteer labor at substantial savings and Fr Roberto as the CEO. He worked daily at the camp until two months prior to his death.
As the people of the community are of all ages and social and cultural backgrounds, the needs of the community are varied. To address these needs, Fr Roberto established St Anthony's Community Center, one of the largest social
service agencies in the state, providing daycare for children, a senior activity center, and an extensive social services program. Fr Roberto is also responsible for the founding of the Hilltop Renewal Association Program, a
program of housing rehabilitation, reconstruction and new housing development.
The Antonian, a 138-unit high rise apartment building for the elderly was constructed on the old Wilmington Armory site with state and federal assistance. The lease was Fr Roberto's kind of deal$1.00 for 99 years. Along side the Antonian, the old Drill Hall was converted into a two story comprehensive Senior Center with a few community development grants, a corporate grant, and volunteer
labor.
Other very noteworthy achievements of Father Roberto include - Recipient of the Pro Ecclesia and Pontifice Award given by Pope John Paul II - Awarded "Commendatore" by the Italian Government - Honorary Ph.D. in Humanities from DeSales University, Center Valley PA - Honorary Ph.D. in Humane Letters from Goldey-Beacom College, Wilmington DE - The foundation of the first educational supplement foundation for aid to pupils and schools - The founding of the Wilmington Friends of Italian Culture - The expansion of the "Parish Carnivale" to the "Italian Fesitval" - The annual production of the Via Crucis
Fr Roberto never lost faith and St Anthony's was growing and building. Father met the challenges of the changing times, and the changing needs with new institutions and new programs. He was an outstanding clergyman who truly saw
God in all his fellow men and women. Each accomplishment has been marked with the stamp of Fr Roberto's spirit, a distinctive blend of engaging humility, winning gentleness, deep faith, unfailing charity, a great sense of humor, and
absolute disregard of self.
In addition to his Oblate religious community, Father is survived by his sister, Maria, who lives in Italy.
Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Wednesday, August 14 at St Anthony of Padua Church in Wilmington DE. Interment followed at the Oblates of St Francis de Sales Cemetery in Childs MD.
Rev. Roberto
Balducelli, OSFS
Funeral Services for Fr. Roberto are as follows: a visitation is being held on Tuesday, August 13, from 1 to 7 pm at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 9th and DuPont Sts., Wilmington, DE with Vespers at 7 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 14, at 11 am at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. (There will not be a viewing prior to Mass). Interment is 2 pm at the Oblate Community Cemetery, Childs, MD.
Condolences may be sent to his sister, Maria, in care of: Rev. Nicholas Waseline, OSFS, St. Anthony of Padua Church, 901 N. DuPont St., Wilmington, DE 19805.
In lieu of flowers, it was Fr. Roberto's request that you consider a contribution to the Oblate Retirement Fund, P.O. Box 87, Childs, MD 21916-0087.
Published in The News Journal from August 12 to August 14, 2013
Additional bio from MidAtlantic Memorials:
Rev Roberto Balducelli OSFS
Roberto, a priest with the Oblate of St Francis de Sales for 77 years as a priest, died on August 9 just 100 inutes shy of his 100th birthday at the retirement center of his religious community in Childs MD.
A Wilmington legend, Roberto was born in Costeluccio (Bologna), Italy, on August 10, 1913. He graduated from Collegio Murialdo in Albano in 1928, after which he entered the Rome Minor Seminary and the Oblate Novitiate in Marin. In 1930, he was professed and became a student at Propaganda Fide University in Rome, followed by three years at the University of Fribourg in Switzerland where he received his education in philosophy and theology, along with a major in art.
He was ordained to the priesthood on July 12, 1936, in Fribourg, Switzerland at St Peter Canisius Church. The first year of his priesthood was spent as superior of the Oblate Minor Seminary in Albano, Rome. For two years following, he assisted at Our Lady of Hope Church in Paris, France. From 1939 to 1946, Fr Roberto returned to Albano to teach at the Oblate Scholasticate.
Fr Roberto came to America in 1946 to serve as assistant to Fr J Francis Tucker OSFS, founding pastor of St Anthony of Padua Church in Wilmington DE, and then as assistant to Fr Joseph McCoy OSFS, second pastor of St Anthony's.
In 1959, Fr Roberto was appointed Pastor of St Anthony of Padua. He was first and foremost a priest seeking to fulfill the spiritual needs of his people, a shepherd looking after all the needs of his flock and dedicating his
priesthood to showing those in need that God and his people love them enough to help them. Fr Roberto's achievements include the development of lay leadership and volunteerism; the vision of the parish as an extended family; and the
extension of this "family" concern to a broad range of community needs beyond the parish serving all without distinction.
Fr Balducelli was also a great builder. His vision, spirit, and hands built two schools, St Anthony's Grade School and Padua Academy, a new parish house, the establishment of three convents for the sisters associated with the Parish,
and a summer camp, St Anthony's in the Hills, developed on 140 rolling acres in Kaolin PA, all constructed by the famous St Anthony's Construction Company, with volunteer labor at substantial savings and Fr Roberto as the CEO. He worked daily at the camp until two months prior to his death.
As the people of the community are of all ages and social and cultural backgrounds, the needs of the community are varied. To address these needs, Fr Roberto established St Anthony's Community Center, one of the largest social
service agencies in the state, providing daycare for children, a senior activity center, and an extensive social services program. Fr Roberto is also responsible for the founding of the Hilltop Renewal Association Program, a
program of housing rehabilitation, reconstruction and new housing development.
The Antonian, a 138-unit high rise apartment building for the elderly was constructed on the old Wilmington Armory site with state and federal assistance. The lease was Fr Roberto's kind of deal$1.00 for 99 years. Along side the Antonian, the old Drill Hall was converted into a two story comprehensive Senior Center with a few community development grants, a corporate grant, and volunteer
labor.
Other very noteworthy achievements of Father Roberto include - Recipient of the Pro Ecclesia and Pontifice Award given by Pope John Paul II - Awarded "Commendatore" by the Italian Government - Honorary Ph.D. in Humanities from DeSales University, Center Valley PA - Honorary Ph.D. in Humane Letters from Goldey-Beacom College, Wilmington DE - The foundation of the first educational supplement foundation for aid to pupils and schools - The founding of the Wilmington Friends of Italian Culture - The expansion of the "Parish Carnivale" to the "Italian Fesitval" - The annual production of the Via Crucis
Fr Roberto never lost faith and St Anthony's was growing and building. Father met the challenges of the changing times, and the changing needs with new institutions and new programs. He was an outstanding clergyman who truly saw
God in all his fellow men and women. Each accomplishment has been marked with the stamp of Fr Roberto's spirit, a distinctive blend of engaging humility, winning gentleness, deep faith, unfailing charity, a great sense of humor, and
absolute disregard of self.
In addition to his Oblate religious community, Father is survived by his sister, Maria, who lives in Italy.
Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Wednesday, August 14 at St Anthony of Padua Church in Wilmington DE. Interment followed at the Oblates of St Francis de Sales Cemetery in Childs MD.
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