Rev Michael A. D’Elia

Rev Michael A. D’Elia, 72, of Bridgeport, died October 29 at St Vincent’s Medical Center, Bridgeport.

Father D’Elia’s first assignment was as a parochial vicar at St Rose of Lima Parish in Newtown.

Father D’Elia was born in Bridgeport on November 15, 1927, the son of Sylvio and Ruth Altieri D’Elia. He graduated from Central High School in 1944. He attended St Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield from 1946 to 1948, before studying for the priesthood at St Bernard’s Seminary in Rochester, N.Y., from 1948-1954. Father D’Elia was ordained by Bishop Lawrence J. Shehan on May 22, 1954, at St Augustine Cathedral in Bridgeport.

He subsequently served at St Cecilia Parrish and Sacred Heart Parish in Stamford, St Mary Parish in Ridgefield, St Roch Parish in Greenwich, St Raphael Parish and Blessed Sacrament Parish in Bridgeport, St Thomas the Apostle Parish in Norwalk, and St John Parish in Darien.

Survivors include one sister, Phyllis Schrage of Ledyard; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

The funeral was held on November 2 at St Patrick’s Church, Bridgeport, with Monsignor Lawrence Bronkowitz, administrator of the Diocese of Bridgeport, officiating. Interment was in Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Trumbull.

Donations may be made to the St Vincent Swim Across the Sound, 2800 Main Street, Bridgeport, CT 06606, in Father D’Elia’s memory.

The Larson Funeral Home, 2496 North Avenue, Bridgeport, was in charge of arrangements.

The Newtown Bee         November 3, 2000