On May 12th 2025 Foundations in Faith hosted a special tribute in memory of Nick Yanicelli at Our Queen of the Clergy Residence in Stamford. Our board member from 2015 until his passing in 2024, Nick was Foundations in Faith’s board advocate for retired priests in the Diocese of Bridgeport and exemplified advocacy by highlighting the importance of cultivating and sustaining friendships.
Over the course of his many years of service, Nick was a constant presence at QOTC and for the priests. He made many friendships as a result of his efforts to make the building a home and lit up the room with his presence, especially when he brought over the board of Foundations in Faith for Happy Hours with the retired priests in residence.
Nick’s warmth was evidenced by all those in attendance which included Nick’s wife Carroll and his sons Christian, Michael, and Baker who traveled from out of state for the occasion, Nick’s friends, Foundations in Faith board members and staff, and, of course, the residents of QOTC. Patrick Leydon and Vickey Hickey went above and beyond hosting the special memorial.
The evening began with a Mass of Thanksgiving celebrated by Msgr. Detscher with music by Cece Santiago, featuring Nick’s favorite hymns including Here I am Lord during the Liturgy of the Eucharist and Make Me a Channel of Your Peace as the closing hymn. The inspiring and aspiring prayer widely attributed to St. Francis of Assisi concluded the Mass.
After catching up with old friends, meeting new ones, and enjoying delicious hors d’oeuvres, a plaque was installed and dedicated to Nick in the beautiful gathering room. Msgr. Robert Kinnally, pastor at St. Aloysius Parish in New Canaan where Nick was a longtime parishioner recalled his deep dedication to the Church—whether serving his parish, the diocese, Foundations in Faith, the retired priests, and especially his family.
Nick’s friend and Foundations in Faith board member Joe Sindelar sent a heartfelt message that was read by Monsignor Kinnally which called to mind the special way in which Nick impacted those who met him “[He] had a unique calming way by his presence to make one feel like everything was going to be ok and we were going to be successful in our various endeavors.”
In 2021, writing for our website about the St. John Vianney Fund for Retired Priests and Our Queen of the Clergy Residence Nick said: “For priests, being a servant of God is a daily calling that extends far beyond the walls of the Church and impacts the lives of people – regardless of their race or religion – throughout the entire community.”
We can say the same about our friend Nick Yanicelli. AMDG.
