Obituary: Rev. Francis Filmanski

Francis Edward Filmanski, 86, of Pompano Beach, FL, retired priest of the Diocese of Rockville Centre died on Aug. 20, 2014. Son of the late Frank B. and Pauline (nee Yunka) Filmanski of Riverhead. Father Francis is survived by a sister Jean Lynch of Westhampton Beach, and predeceased by two brothers Louis and Floyd Filmanski and sister M. Patricia Kissel. He was a proud uncle to his six nieces and nephews. Father Francis served his first mass at St. Isidore’s Church in his hometown of Riverhead, on June 7, 1953. Always proud of his Polish heritage, his first assignment was at Our Lady of Poland Catholic Church in Southampton. In June 1975 he was installed as pastor of St. Hedwig’s Church in Floral Park. He remained as pastor there for 33 years until his retirement in 2005. Aside from his pastoral duties, Father Francis loved to travel and was a baseball fan, especially for his beloved St. Louis Cardinals. He will be remembered for his dedication to his family and his parish, his sense of humor and his generosity. Mass of Transferral and Christian Burial were celebrated at St. Hedwig’s RC Church. Interment followed at St. John the Evangelist Cemetery in Riverhead.