Deceased: 2002-03-19
Diocese: ALBANY
Seminary Graduation Year: 1945
The Rev. John R. Sise died on March 19, 2002, after a short illness.
He was born in Watervliet, N.Y., on Nov. 8, 1920, the son of John J. and Mary A. McHale Sise.
He was predeceased by a sister, Mary Sise Donlon.
He was a graduate of Catholic Central High School in Troy, N.Y., and was a member of the first graduation class of Siena College (1941). He attended St. Joseph’s Seminary and was ordained Jan. 27, 1945. He received his master’s in social work from St. Louis University.
His assignments included St. Joseph’s in Schenectady, N.Y.; St. Francis de Sales in Herkimer, N.Y.; Director of Catholic Charities for the Albany Diocese; St. Matthew’s in Voorheesville, N.Y. and St. Mary’s in Cooperstown, N.Y., where he was pastor until his retirement in 1992.
In addition, he was an Air Force chaplain from 1953-56.
In his retirement years, he assisted at St. Cecelia’s in Clearwater, Fla.
Father Sise is survived by his cousin, Robert J. Sise of Amsterdam, N.Y.; his niece, Mary Jo Avery of Averill Park, N.Y.; and several great-nieces, nephews and cousins.
Father Sise served on many boards, including Bassett Healthcare, the Scriven Foundation, Pathfinder Village and the Catholic Charities Board of Delaware and Otsego Counties.
He was an avid golfer and was a member of Leatherstocking GC in Cooperstown and a former member of Wolferts Roost CC in Albany.
He had several friends of all faiths, lived life to its fullest, was quick to smile and to bring a smile to those he met.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, March 23, 2002, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 31 Elm St., Cooperstown, with Bishop Howard J. Hubbard presiding.
He will lie in state at St. Mary’s Church on Friday, March 22, 2002, from 4 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christ the High Priest will be celebrated Friday at 8 p.m. at St. Mary’s.
Those who wish to honor his life may make contributions in his memory to Siena College, 515 Loudon Road, Loudonville, NY 12211.
