BLACKWOOD – Father Michael Martin Signiski, pastor of St. Teresa of Avila Roman Catholic Church, Bridgeton, Cumberland County, died on January 15. He was 65 and would have celebrated his 40th anniversary to the priesthood this year.
“To me, he was more than a priest, but a good personal friend,” said Deacon Bill Johnson, a 35-year parishioner at the church. “ There are times when it is hard to understand why things happen as they do. It is in times like these that we will remember Father Mike’s favorite statement, “God is in Charge.”
Father Signiski was born in Philadelphia. He graduated from St. John Seminary, Little Rock, AR, with a Bachelors Degree and Villanova University, Villanova, Pa., where he received his Masters Degree. He was ordained May 21, 1966 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Camden. Among his assignments were: Our Lady of the Angels Church, Cape May Court House in 1966; St. Peter Church, Pleasantville in 1966-67; Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Ocean City, 1967; St. Thomas Church, Brigantine, 1970; Assumption Church, Wildwood Crest, 1971; Mary, Mother of the Church, Bellmawr, 1974; St. Maurice, Brooklawn, 1987; Holy Rosary, Cherry Hill, where he served as pastor in 1991 until becoming pastor at St. Teresa of Avila, Bridgeton, in 2002.
Surviving are: brother Thomas F. Signiski and his wife, Ann of Reister-stown, MD; predeceased by his brother, George A. Signiski and survived by his sister-in-law Judy of Glendora, NJ; a sister, Margaret M. Surran and her husband, Richard, of Melfa, VA, and brother David J. Signiski and his wife, Anne) of Blackwood. He is also survived by: numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Michael A. and Margaret R. Signiski (nee Flitcraft).
A viewing will be held beginning at 3 p.m. today, Wednesday, January 18, 2006 at St. Agnes Church, Blackwood, where a viewing will follow until 7:30 PM. The Mass of Jesus Christ the Eternal High Priest will be celebrated at 8:00 PM by Father William C. Pierce, pastor St. John Bosco Church, Millville. The viewing will continue on Thursday, January 19, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at St. Agnes Church, Blackwood. Most Reverend Joseph A. Galante, D.D., J.C.D, Bishop of the Diocese of Camden, will celebrate the 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will take place at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Chews Landing.
Contributions in his memory can be made to the St. Teresa of Avila R. C. Church, St. Vincent De Paul Society, 46 Central Ave., Bridgeton, NJ 08302. Arrangements are by the Earle Funeral Home, Blackwood.