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Father Joseph Raymond Radvansky, a faithful priest of the Eparchy of Parma, died on Christmas Day 2018, in Palm Desert, California; he was 85.
Father Radvansky was born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, Feb. 28, 1933, to Joseph and Mary (nee Buksar) Radvansky, the fourth of five children.
He completed high school at St. Procopius Academy in Lisle, Illinois, in 1950, and graduated from St. Procopius College in 1954.
He entered the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of Sts. Cyril and Methodius in 1961, after having served in the U.S. Navy, from 1957 to 1961. He was ordained a priest by Bishop Nicholas T. Elko in 1965.
His first assignment was as assistant pastor of St. Michael Parish in Gary (now in Merrillville), Indiana. A year later he was appointed assistant pastor of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Munhall, Pennsylvania. At the time, the Eparchy of Parma had not yet been created.
After serving at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Chicago, he was assigned to Holy Ghost Parish in Cleveland in 1969. In 1972, he was trained as a chaplain in the U.S. Naval Reserve, a ministry in which he served until 1993.
He also served at Holy Angels Parish in San Diego, California, St. Melany Parish in Tucson, Arizona, and St. Stephen Parish in Allen Park, Michigan.
After five years in Allen Park, he was assigned to St. Nicholas Parish in Cleveland in 1986, and then to St. Mary Parish in Marblehead, Ohio, in 1990. He contributed to Horizons as associate editor, from 1986 to 1992.
He retired in 2005, after 40 years of active ministry. He spent his 13 years in retirement in California.
Father Thomas J. Loya, a longtime friend who worked with Father Radvansky at Horizons, remembered him as a highly cultured man and an unassuming intellectual. Father Radvansky was fluent in Mandarin and a Gold Life Master at Bridge.
“He did not come from a highly cultured background but he was very well-versed in literature, art, film and opera. He was always open to opportunities for learning and intellectual pursuits,” said Father Loya.
He said Father Radvansky brought his knowledge and culture to his writings in Horizons.
“And yet he was very friendly and down to earth. He was a die-hard Steelers fan,” he added.
Father Loya said Father Radvansky was known as a “caring pastor” who “tended to his duties.”
“He was a faithful church pastor. He was very patient, very approachable and a good conversationalist,” he said.
Father Radvansky was predeceased by his parents, older brother, Father Robert Radvansky of the Eparchy of Passaic, older sisters, Margret and Alice, and younger brother, David.
He is survived by nephews Frank Kofile and Mark Radvansky, and great nieces Deborah Hallick, Linda, Laurie, and Sherry.
Bishop Milan Lach, SJ, of Parma celebrated the Parastas at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist Jan. 11. Fathers Marek Visnovsky, John Kachuba, Jan Cizmar, Michael Bucko, Bryan Eyman and Andrew Nagrant, and Deacons Greg Loya and Joe Hnat concelebrated.
Bishop Lach celebrated the Funeral Divine Liturgy and Panachida at the cathedral Jan. 12. Retired Bishop John Kudrick, Fathers Marek Visnovsky, John Kachuba, Mike Hayduk, Dennis Hrubiak, Bruce Riebe, Thomas J. Loya, Robert Jager, Michael Bucko, Bryan Eyman and Andrew Nagrant, and Deacons Nathan Adams and Joe Hnat concelebrated.
After the liturgy, a naval escort led the flag-draped coffin to the narthex, where the procession paused for the playing of Taps. The U.S. flag was ceremoniously folded and presented to Father Radvansky’s family.
Father Radvansky’s remains were interred at St. Joseph Cemetery in North Versailles, Pennsylvania.
In blessed repose, grant O Lord eternal rest to your departed servant the priest Joseph and remember him forever.
Caption 1: Father Joseph Raymond Radvansky 1933-2018
Caption 2: The clergy of the Eparchy of Parma stand around the coffin of Father Joseph Radvansky and watch as naval officers fold the U.S. flag that was laid over it. In the foreground, far right, stands retired Bishop John Kudrick. In the background, far left, stands Bishop Milan Lach, SJ, of Parma. (Photo: Miron Kerul-Kmec Jr.)
As published in Horizons, Jan. 20, 2019.
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