Msgr. Mecislaus S. Wendzikowski, who served the Diocese of Buffalo for 59 years, died July 4, 2018. He was 84.

Born May 28, 1934, in Buffalo, Msgr. Wendzikowski attended St. Luke School and Canisius High School, both in Buffalo. He graduated from St. Mary's College in Orchard Lake, Mich., cum laude, earning a bachelor's degree. He prepared for the priesthood by attending Christ the King Seminary in Olean.

Bishop Joseph Burke ordained Msgr. Wendzikowski at St. Joseph New Cathedral on Feb. 21, 1959. His first assignment took him to St. Mary Parish in East Arcade for six months. He then served as assistant at St. Luke's, Buffalo; Queen of Peace, Buffalo; St. Josaphat's, Cheektowaga and St. Florian's, Buffalo. He returned to St. Luke's in 1972.

 In October 1974, he received his first pastorate at St. Isaac Jogues, Sherman, and St. Thomas More, Ripley. Then he served as pastor of St. Joseph, Holland, before being appointed canonical pastor and sacramental minster of St. Jude in Sardinia in 1995. He retired Dec. 4, 1999 for health reasons.

In April 1993, Msgr. Wendzikowski was named prelate of honor.

Msgr. Wendzikowski is predeceased by his parents Mecislaus and Martha Monczynski Wendzikowski, and his sister, Sister Marcella Anne Wendzikowski, CSSF. He is survived by another sister, Theresa Wendzikowski.

A funeral Mass was held by Bishop Edward Grosz on Monday, July 9 at St. Joseph Parish in Holland.