In memoriam: Reverend Canon John E. Mikalajunas

With faith in the Resurrection, The Reverend Canon John E. Mikalajunas was called home to the Lord on Thursday, July 30, 2026 after a lifetime of faithful priestly ministry.

Born in Johnson City, New York, on August 24, 1943, Father John was the beloved son of the late John and Johanna (Bonczek) Mikalajunas. He shared a special bond with his parents and remained devoted and grateful for them throughout life after they passed. Among the many who await his arrival in the Eternal Kingdom, John and Johanna will be among the first to welcome him.

Father John attended St. Stanislaus Kostka School and was raised in St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish, where his vocation to the priesthood first took root. Inspired by the example of the Felician Sisters and his longtime pastor, Father George Guzewicz, he recognized at an early age God’s call to serve His Church. After graduating from Johnson City High School, he continued his studies at St. Mary’s College in Orchard Lake, Michigan, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy before completing his theological studies at SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary. On May 17, 1969, he was ordained to the Sacred Priesthood for the Diocese of Syracuse, embarking upon what would become fifty-seven years of ministry.

His first assignment was at St. John’s Church in Binghamton, where he served under the guidance of Monsignor Robert Driscoll, whom Father John often credited as an important mentor. Throughout the decades that followed, he faithfully served the people of God at St. Ann, St. Casimir, St. Thomas, St. John the Evangelist, St. Joseph, St. Vincent de Paul, and his beloved home parish of St. Stanislaus Kostka. In 2009, he was appointed Pastor of Holy Trinity Church in Utica, where he would spend the final 15 years of his active ministry, lovingly caring for generations of parishioners until his retirement in February of 2025.

To those who knew Father John, he was far more than a parish priest. He was a compassionate shepherd, a patient confessor, a trusted spiritual guide, and a faithful servant in Christ. His greatest joys included celebrating the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, especially Christmas and Easter. He possessed a particular love for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, believing deeply in God’s healing mercy, and he often remarked that bringing people back to the love of Christ through Confession was among the greatest privileges of his priesthood. He was equally devoted to visiting the sick, comforting the grieving, celebrating baptisms, witnessing marriages, and accompanying families from the beginning of life to the final commendation of their loved ones into God’s eternal care. Countless families remember Father John quietly arriving at hospitals, nursing homes, homes, funeral visitations, cemeteries, and parish celebrations with the same gentle presence and reassuring faith.

Deeply proud of his Polish heritage, Father John became one of the Diocese’s foremost ambassadors of Polish Catholic traditions. Fluent in both English and Polish, he ministered to generations of Polish-American families and regularly heard confessions in Polish, especially during Holy Week. His heritage enriched his ministry and fostered lifelong friendships both locally and abroad.

His love for the Church carried him around the world as a pilgrimage leader. He organized and led numerous pilgrimages to Poland, Italy, the Vatican, Ireland, the Holy Land, and many other sacred destinations, helping deepen others’ faith by walking where saints had walked. During one pilgrimage to Poland, he even served as translator for his group. Throughout his travels, he celebrated Mass in countless holy places and was blessed to concelebrate Mass in the private chapel of Pope St. John Paul II on three occasions. He also participated in papal audiences with Pope St. Paul VI, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis, treasures he often shared with those back home.

In recognition of his faithful service to the Church and to the Polish Catholic community, Archbishop Stanislaus Budzik of Lublin, Poland, bestowed upon Father John the honorary title of Canon in 2015. The title was one he accepted with humility, viewing it not as a personal distinction but as another opportunity to honor the faith and traditions he so dearly loved. In 2019, he was also honored with the Father Leopold Moczygemba Award by the Polish American Priests Association for his outstanding service to Polish-American Catholics.

On May 19, 2019, Father John celebrated the Golden Jubilee of his ordination, marking fifty years of faithful priesthood. Surrounded by parishioners, fellow clergy, family, and friends at Holy Trinity Church, where he was recognized by the New York State Senate for his exemplary service.

Father John was a faithful priest who loved God, loved His Church, and loved the people he served. He is survived by several cousins, by all his loved ones, family, friends, parishioners, brother priests, and all who treasure his memory.

Services were held on August 5 at Holy Trinity Church, Utica, and on August 6 at the Church of Saints John and Andrew in Binghamton. Interment followed at Calvary Cemetery and Mausoleum, 501 Fairview St., Johnson City. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Father John’s honor may be made to the Diocese of Syracuse, St. Thomas Aquinas Fund (www.syracusediocese.org/st-thomas-fund-donate). Messages of sympathy at kowalczykfuneralhomes.com.

Well done, good and faithful servant. May Christ, whom he served so faithfully at the altar, now welcome him into the eternal banquet of heaven.