Monsignor Chalres Borgognonoi, 84, chaplain of the St. Thomas More Chapel, passed away last week with a funeral following at Our Lady of Pompei Church over the weekend.
Church-goers and leaders testified his wonderful nature, and know that his passing is a big loss for the community.
"He touched so many people throughout the course of his priesthood, reflected Pastor Father Paul Angelicchio of Our Lady of Pompei Church to News 10 Now. I think if you are going to be Christ-like, Monsignor Borgognonoi was that. He was Christ-like.
For 29 years, Borgognonoi served as the chaplain for the chapel at Syracuse University until he retired in 1991. While at the school, he offered much needed spiritual guidance to students.
In addition, he spent his time as an assistant pastor at St. Joseph Church in Oswego, N.Y., as well as at Our Lady of Pompei from 1948 to 1962.
Those who worked with him described his great character and way that he could reach people in their sufferings and joys.
He touched people, he cared for people, he loved people, he just gained energy from being with people, added Angelicchio. It's going to be a great loss, but I think all of us who knew him are better people as a result of that."
The Syracuse religious leader also had a aritistic side to him. He formed a local theater group called the Pompeian Players, performing in a number of venues throughout Central New York in the 70s and 80s.
