SISTER VINCENT CIRELLI, O.P., formerly Elena Cirelli, a member of the Sisters of St. Dominic of Blauvelt, New York for the past 68 years, died on August 21, 2019 in St. Martin De Porres Community at the Motherhouse in Blauvelt. Sister was 91 years of age.
Sr. Vincent was born to Anthony Cirelli and Mary Petterutti Cirelli on August 19, 1928 in Providence, Rhode Island.
She entered the Sisters of St. Dominic on January 4, 1951 from St. Teresa’s Parish, Providence, R.I. She received the Dominican habit on September 5, 1951, professed her first vows on September 6, 1952, and final vows on September 6, 1955.
Sister held the B.S. in Education from Dominican College, Blauvelt, N.Y. and the M.A. in Theology from LaSalle University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Sr. Vincent’s many years of active ministry were devoted to education as a teacher, principal, CCD administrator, and pastoral assistant. Her ministries included: St. Anselm’s School, Bronx, N.Y.,(1953-1954); St. Margaret School, Pearl River, N.Y., (1954-1959);
Our Lady of Victory School, Bronx, N.Y. (1959-1961); St. Joseph School, Millbrook, N.Y., (1961-1972); Dutchess/Putnam Counties Regional CCD Director, (1969-1972); St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Shrub Oak, N.Y., Director of Religious Education, (1972-1974); Bergen County Catechetical Office Regional CCD Director, (1974-1977); Holy Spirit School, Bronx, N.Y., Principal, (1977-1981);St. John’s Parish, Albany, N.Y., Pastoral Assistant, (1981-1988); and Paramus Catholic Boys High School, Religion Teacher, (1988-1991.) In addition, Sister served the Congregation as the Director of the Development Office, (1991-1995) and Purchaser and Manager of the Charism Gift Shop, (1995-2002). Sister retired to Marian Woods, Hartsdale, N.Y. in 2002 where she remained until 2008 when failing health caused her to return to St. Martin de Porres Infirmary.
In addition to her religious congregation, Sr. Vincent is survived by her sister, Flora Papa and her nephews, Robert and Joseph Papa of Warwick, Rhode Island. She was predeceased by her twin sister, Sr. Mary Cirelli, of the Blauvelt Congregation, her brothers Vincent and John, and her nephews James and Michael.
RELATIVES AND FRIENDS MAY ATTEND SERVICES AT:
ST. DOMINIC’S CONVENT, 496 WESTERN HIGHWAY, BLAUVELT, N.Y.
WAKE: Sunday, August 25, 2019 from 3 p.m.-7 p.m.
EVENING PRAYER: Sunday, August 25, 2019 at 6 p.m.
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Monday, August 26, 2019 at 10:30 a.m.
BURIAL: St. Dominic’s Convent Cemetery
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of St. Dominic.
Arrangements have been made by Hannemann Funeral Home, Nyack, N.Y.