Rev. Msgr. Edward J. Kurtyka, PA, JCD
Deceased: 2021-03-11
Diocese: PATERSON
Seminary Graduation Year: 1972
Msgr. Edward J. Kurtyka, P.A., J.C.D. longtime pastor of St. Paul Parish, Prospect Park, and Judicial Vicar of the Marriage Tribunal of the Diocese of Paterson, passed away on March 11, 2021
Born in Paterson, Msgr. Kurtyka had resided in North Haledon for over 40 years. He graduated from Don Bosco Prep in Ramsey and received a bachelor’s degree in classical languages from Seton Hall University, South Orange. He attended the former Immaculate Conception Seminary before studying at Gregorian University in Rome. He was ordained to the priesthood on Dec. 17, 1971 at the Altar of the Chair at St. Peter Basilica, Rome by Bishop James A. Hickey after completing his studies at North American College there.
After ordination, he served as parochial vicar at St. Agnes Parish, Paterson (1972-73) before going on loan to the Diocese of Burlington, Vt., for parish duties (1973-75). He then served for two years on the faculty of Wadhams Hall Seminary College in Ogdensburg, N.Y.
In 1977, he returned to the Diocese of Paterson to serve as parochial vicar at St. Paul Parish in Prospect Park.
In 1980, he received a master’s degree in education from Iona College, N.Y., and in 1982, he began graduate studies at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. In 1985, he was named Defender of the Bond in the diocesan Tribunal and priest-secretary to Bishop Frank J. Rodimer. In 1986, he was named vice officialis in the Tribunal. In 1991, he received his doctorate in canon law from the Catholic University of America following the publication of his dissertation, “The Vicar-
Forane: An Historico-Canonical Study.”
He was named administrator of St. Paul’s in 1994 and in 1995, he was appointed as pastor. That same year, he was named diocesan Judicial Vicar of the Tribunal and held both posts until the time of his death.
St. Pope John Paul II named him a chaplain to the Holy Father in 1998 with the title of monsignor. In 2003, St. Pope John Paul II appointed him as a Supernumerary Protonotary Apostolic (P.A.).
Msgr. Kurtyka was the beloved son of the late Edward Kurtyka, Sr. and the late Edna (nee: Patterson) Kurtyka. Loving brother of John Kurtyka and his wife Florence of Wantage. Dear uncle of Edward Kurtyka, John Kurtyka and the late Robert Kurtyka.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30am on Monday, March 15, 2021 at St. Paul’s R.C. Church in Prospect Park. Interment will follow at Christ the King Cemetery in Franklin Lakes. Friends and parishioners may visit at St. Paul’s Church on Sunday from 3-6pm.
