Boscio Retires After 47 Years In Priesthood

Photo Carol Marino Monsignor Charles Patrick Boscio celebrates his retirement Mass at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, on Sunday, January 27.

Monsignor Charles Patrick Boscio celebrated his retirement Mass at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, 21-47 29th St., Astoria, on Sunday, January 27 at 3:30 p.m. At age 72, he retires after 47 years in the Roman Catholic priesthood.

Boscio was born Aug. 6, 1935 in Brooklyn, the son of Charles Sr. (born in Italy and Julia (born in Rio de Janeiro). His bother, Louis, died in October 1981. Another brother, Frank, currently resides in Florida.

Boscio attended P.S. 64 in Brooklyn, St. Ann's Academy for Boys H.S. in New York City, St. Mary's College in Lebanon, Kentucky, Niagara University and Our Lady of Angels Seminary. He did graduate work at St. John's University, St. Joseph's College in Brooklyn and Fordham University in The Bronx. Boscio is an accomplished organist and musician, specializing in the field of opera.

Boscio was ordained a priest by then Bishop McEntegart on June 3, 1961 and said his first Solemn Mass on June 10, 1961 at St. Rita's in Brooklyn. After ordination, he was assigned to Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Brooklyn), St. Frances Cabrini (Brooklyn, co-founder), Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament (Bayside), St. John the Evangelist (Brooklyn) and St. Joan of Arc (Jackson Heights). He also served as chaplain aboard a passenger ship for a brief period and as chaplain at a veterans hospital in The Bronx.

Boscio was assigned to Immaculate Conception (Astoria) on Mar. 18, 1986 by Bishop Mugavero and installed as Pastor on Apr. 20, 1986. He was raised to Prelate of Honor with the title of Monsignor on Dec. 3, 1989.

As a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus and founder of Immaculate Conception Council No. 11449, he serves as chaplain to the Immaculate Conception Council and is associate chaplain to the various bishops assigned as state chaplains.

In 1997 Boscio was installed as a member of The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem by John Cardinal O'Connor.

Boscio is an avid supporter of various Catholic Education programs with the Diocese of Brooklyn which included P.R.O.S.P.E.R and Futures in Education. He is also a continuous supporter of Ozanam Hall Nursing Facility in Bayside. He is Moderator of the Holy Name Rosary Society, Social and Cultural Group and our Lady's Pre-School. He conducts the Adult Religious Education classes in Immaculate Conception parish which prepare adults to receive the Sacrament of Baptism, Communion and/or Confirmation. Aside from his regular duties, Boscio takes time out to visit sick and homebound parishioners at various hospitals and nursing homes.

Photo Tony Barsamian Eileen Harnischfeger, Immaculate Conception School principal, Angela Mortellaro, Alexandra Rodriguez, Lynn Brinda, Maria Rizzi, Tara Ragusa and Yaritza Bertorelli, members of the Immaculate Conception Home School Association, and Mario Massa, Chancellor, Immaculate Conception Knights of Columbus Council No. 11449, Barry Ferguson, Grand Knight, Immaculate Conception Knights of Columbus Council No. 11449, Fathers Moises and Vitalis, Monsignor Charles Patrick Boscio, Rocco Sacramone, Trattoria L'incontro owner, and Father Reynald gathered at the head table at Boscio's retirement luncheon January 29.

Boscio is officially retired as of Jan. 31, 2008. A retirement luncheon was held at Immaculate Conception on Tuesday, January 29. Pasta and homestyle meatballs were provided by Rocco Sacramone, owner of Trattoria L'incontro Restaurant, Astoria. Eileen Harnischfeger, Immaculate Conception School principal and members of the Immaculate Conception Home School Association and of the Immaculate Conception Knights of Columbus Council No. 11449 were among those in attendance.