Obituary: Rev. Monsignor Edward D. Strano

On Wednesday, April 2, Reverend Monsignor Edward D. Strano, 84, a beloved priest of the Diocese of Trenton, entered eternal life.

Monsignor Strano was a graduate of St. Charles College, Catonsville, MD, Seton Hall University, South Orange, and Immaculate Conception Seminary, Darlington. He was ordained to the priesthood by the Most Reverend George W. Ahr on May 26, 1956 and served as associate pastor in the following parishes: Sacred Heart in Mount Holly, twice at St. John Vianney in Colonia, St. Anthony in Trenton, St. Joseph in Keyport, St Gregory the Great in Hamilton Square, and St. Mary in Bordentown. In 1976, Monsignor was installed as pastor of St. Ann in Keansburg and in 1986, installed as pastor of St. Clement in Matawan. In addition to his parish assignments, Monsignor also faithfully served the Diocese of Trenton in the following ministries: Burlington County CYO Director, Assistant CCD Director, Chaplain, Rider College, CYO Moderator, Burlington County, the Priests Personnel Office, the Commission to Study All Aspects of the Monitor, Prosynodal Judge and Defender of the Bond, the Expansion and Development Committee, and Vicar for Catholic Education. In 1993, His Holiness John Paul II named him a Prelate of Honor with the title of Monsignor. His passion was working with youth. He was known for organizing CYO dances that drew large numbers of students from all over the state. He was revered as a powerful speaker, who delivered profound homilies. He retired from full time ministry in 1997.

Monsignor Strano was predeceased by his parents, Edward and Mary Strano; two brothers, Salvatore Strano and Patrick (and Vera) Strano; five sisters, Carmella (and Joe) Mott, Adeline Turse, Genevieve (and Anthony) Rifici, May (and Joseph) Siciliano, and Lucille (and Richard) O’Brien; two nieces, Maria Rifici Marion and Diane Rifici Paustian, and a nephew, Patrick Burke. He is survived by many cousins, is the beloved uncle and great uncle of many nieces and nephews, and celebrated many family weddings and baptisms. He was the fun-loving patriarch of the family who enjoyed family parties and spending time in his hometown of Asbury Park.

A viewing will be held at Buckley Funeral Home, 509 2nd Ave. in Asbury Park. on Sunday, April 6 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Monsignor’s body will be received at St. Clement Roman Catholic Church, 172 Freneau Ave. in Matawan on Monday, April 7 at 3:30 p.m. followed by a viewing until 6:45 p.m. A concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 7:00 p.m. A light reception will follow the Mass at the Reception Center at St. Clement. Interment Tuesday, April 8 at 10:00 a.m., Mount Calvary Cemetery, Highway 66 in Neptune. In lieu of flowers, gifts in Monsignor’s memory will be gratefully received at Project Paul, 211 Carr Avenue, Keansburg NJ 07734. Condolences may be made atwww.Buckleyfuneralhome.net.