St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Avondale remembers the Rev. Kieran Kleczewski, who recently passed away in his home surrounded by family and friends.

Kleczewski died on Sept. 30 after being released from the hospital to spend his last days in the comfort of his home in Verrado, Fr. David Sanfilippo said in a letter published on the parish website. 

Born on July 28, 1950 in Green Bay, Wisconsin; Kleczewski followed the call into ministry and in 1978 was ordained to the priesthood for St. Meinrad Archabbey in Indiana. In 1997, he joined the Diocese of Phoenix.

During this lifetime, Kleczewski served at St. Joseph Parish in Phoenix, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Scottsdale, Holy Trinity Newman Center in Flagstaff, San Francisco de Asis Parish in Flagstaff, All Saints Parish in Mesa, St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Litchfield Park, St. Michael Parish in Gila Bend and St. John Vianney Parish in Sedona. 

In addition, Kleczewski served the Diocese of Phoenix as the director of the Office of Worship from 2004-20.

Fr. Sanfilippo asked parishioners to pray for the repose of Kleczewski’s soul.

Funeral Mass was held Oct. 6 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.