The funeral of Monsignor Joseph J. Anderlonis, pastor of St. Francis de Sales Church, who passed away on Friday, Dec. 6 after a short illness, will be held on Saturday, Dec. 14. A viewing will take place in the church, at 47th and Springfield Ave., from 9-11 a.m., followed by a Mass at 11 a.m., with a reception to follow in the parish hall. All are welcome.

Anderlonis, 75, was appointed to his position as pastor of St. Francis de Sales in June 2016. Prior to that, he served for many years (from 1982 to 2016) as Pastor at St. George in Philadelphia. 

He was ordained a priest in 1969 and held multiple secondary positions over the past 37 years: Approved Advocate and Archdiocesan Judge of the Office of the Metropolitan Tribunal, Censor Librorum for the Office of the Chancellor, National Consultant for the Lithuanian Apostolate, Vicar for Consecrated Life for the Office of Consecrated Life, Pastoral Dean for Deaneries 9 & 17, National Adviser for the SCDC/Pastoral Care of Migrants, Refugees and Travelers, and served as a board member for the Council of Priests.

Monsignor Anderlonis spoke many languages, including German, Italian, Lithuanian, and Latin. He loved his family and friends and enjoyed traveling. He will be missed by many in the community.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Francis de Sales Church, 4625 Springfield Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19143 or St. George Independent School, 2700 E. Venango St., Philadelphia, PA 19134.