Joseph Francis Alzugaray
Treadway and Wigger
Monsignor Joseph Francis Alzugaray, beloved pastor emeritus of St. Apollinaris Catholic Church, died peacefully at his home on Friday, January 31, 2014. Msgr. Joe was born on August 14, 1941 in Whittier California. He attended St. John's Seminary in Camarillo, CA and was ordained a priest April 29, 1967 for the Diocese of Los Angeles. His first assignments were as associate pastor of Immaculate Conception in Monrovia and then at St. Finbar's in Burbank. He served as the Director of the Archdiocesan Mission Office for the Propagation of the Faith, Lay Mission-Helpers Assn from 1975-1990. During this time he travelled extensively to missions around the world. Following that assignment he was the pastor of All Souls parish in Alhambra. His next move was to Northern California and to the Diocese of Santa Rosa. In 1995 he was made the associate pastor of St. James in Petaluma as well as Chaplain to St. Vincent High School. In September of 2001 he was appointed as pastor of St. Apollinaris parish in Napa, continuing in this position until his retirement in October of 2011. Until his recent illness, Msgr. was of service, officiating at most parishes in the Napa vicinity, filling in for weddings, masses, wherever needed. Msgr. Joe will be remembered for his dedicated ministry to his vocation to the priesthood for over 46 years. He knew his parishioners, by name, by family, by need and ministered to them all. He was at ease with every age group, supporting the elderly, families, high school youth, school and religious education programs and young adults. He was actively involved in all aspects of parish life, but his greatest talent was his ability to communicate. A well-read and educated man, he brought many into the church simply through his homilies. He was a "bearer of God's message" in clear and simple words, communicating through stories and examples. Monsignor was truly a distinguished homilist. He projected great confidence in his faith and skillfully shared that faith with those around him. His last sermon, though neither written nor spoken, conveyed in action his deep and abiding faith in God's mercy and plan. He embraced God's will for him and accepted with great dignity the illness that befell him. His many accomplishments over the course of his priesthood are a tribute to his dedication to those he worked with and all those he served. His generosity of mind and spirit will be greatly missed. Msgr. Joe is survived by his brother Stephen, sister-in-law Charlene, and two nieces, Stephanie and Casey. He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Mary Elizabeth Alzugaray. He will be mourned by his family, his parishioners, his staff, and his fellow priests. The funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday February 8th at 11:00 am at St. Apollinaris Catholic Church. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Apollinaris Catholic School, 3700 Lassen St. Napa, CA 94558. Arrangements are under the direction of the Treadway and Wigger Funeral Home. Please share condolences and memories at treadwaywigger.com - See more at: http://www.treadwaywigger.com/obituary/Joseph-Francis-Alzugaray/Napa-CA/1338795#sthash.LsZ2j4VX.dpuf
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