Hoboken Retired Pastor, Sister Killed In Car Crash

HOBOKEN, NJ — A well-respected fixture of the Hoboken religious community, the Rev. Michael Guglielmelli of St. Francis Church, and his sister, have died in an auto accident, according to reports.

Guglielmelli, a former pastor at St. Francis, and his sister Dolores, both of Hoboken, passed away following a car accident on County Road 537 in Monmouth County Sunday night, HMag.com reported.

The church released the following statement about Guglielmelli’s passing on Monday:

“It is with deep regret that the Church of St Francis of Assisi, Hoboken, announces the passing of our beloved former Pastor, Fr Michael Guglielmelli. Fr Michael served our parish and the city of Hoboken with love and compassion. He taught us the meaning of caring for those who are less fortunate and how to care for one another in the true spirit of St Francis. At this time, we ask for your prayers for Fr Michael and his family. For those who wish, the Church will be open until 9 p.m. this evening for anyone desiring to stop and offer a prayer.”

Read this article on the Patch Hoboken Facebook page here.

Several community members expressed sorrow at the news of Guglielmelli’s passing on social media.

• “So sad. Rest in Peace Fr. Michael. No words can truly express what a beautiful person and a wonderful mentor you really were. You will be missed dearly.”
• “Thank you for guiding us, marrying us, baptizing our first daughter, making us laugh, blessing our unborn son and for being our Hoboken family. You made St. Francis feel like our home. We will miss you deeply and will forever live by your wisdom.”
• “There are no words to say on how upset my family is today. Fr. Michael has been in our lives since we can remember. He baptized my children , buried my family and renewed our vows on our 25th anniversary. Was also exceptional with our feast of La Madonna Dei Martiri. May you dearest Fr. Michael and your dear sister R.I.P.”
• “My deepest condolences for the tragic loss of Fr. Michael. I will always remember and be grateful for the kindness and caring he extended to my sister during her illness and to me after I lost her. Thank you Fr. Michael, you were loved by many and will be missed. May you and your sister Rest In Peace in God's loving arms.”
• “I am saddened and heart broken by the news of the passing of Father Michael. He was my priest, my friend, my counselor, my confidant, my advisor. When I lost faith he helped me regain it. When I saw darkness he helped me see the light. May he rest in peace in the arms of our Father. Until we see you again”

“I'm incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Father Mike and his sister Dolores,” Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer wrote. “He was such an important part of our community - a warm person who made everyone feel welcome. I have ordered flags to fly at half-staff in his honor. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all of the parishioners of St. Francis during this difficult time.”

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