SALEM- The Reverend Canon Ferdinand E. Slejzer, past away on Sunday, August 18, 2002 at the age of 79. Reverend Slejzer was born on April 29, 1923 in Salem, the son of Polish Immigrants. He grew up in Salem, graduating from Salem High School with the class of 1940 and later graduating Summa Cum Laude from Yale University in 1948. After Yale, he attended St John Seminary and was ordained a priest in 1953. Early assignments took him to Holy Trinity Parish in Lowell and St Michael’s Parish in Lynn, where he was instrumental in establishing the youth programs including the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) which served to reach the youth of the parish.
He received his commission as an officer in the United States Navy in 1962. His Naval career would take him to Okinawa, Alaska, Cuba as well as the Mediterranean where he served as a Navy Chaplain at sea on numerous ships including the USS Forrestal. He served our country with honor and distinction while maintaining a sharp focus on Christian values. Reverend Slejzer offered Mass for US Marines guarding :Suicide Ridge” 50 yards from the fence separating US and Cuban territory in November 1962. Although his naval career took him around the globe he never forgot his roots.
Upon retiring from the US Navy in 1979 with the rank of Captain, he was appointed Pastor and returned to St Michael’s Parish in Lynn where he organized and advanced many Polish cultural interests. Poor health forced his retirement in the mid 1980's. At the request of the Archdiocese, he came out of retirement in 1992 to serve as Pastor of St John The Baptist Parish in Salem. He helped to maintain the strong Polish traditions and customs through his inspired leadership and active roll in the community. He permanently retired as Pastor from St John’s in 1996, yet remained as active as his health permitted to assist in ministering to the needs of the parish. Close to his heart was the Pope John Paul II Polish Cultural Center in Washington, DC. His tireless efforts helped to raise funds to make the center a reality. He was past president of the Polish American Congress, Eastern Massachusetts Division, as well as the national and local chaplain for the Polish Legion of American veterans. His efforts were instrumental in bringing attention to those of Polish heritage who served our country. Recently, Father Slejzer worked on the design and dedication of a Shrine to Our Lady of Czestochowa at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston. This project served to bring a timeless replica of the original icon to the people of the Archdiocese.
Rev Slejzer was the son of the late Adam & Mary (Piecuch) Slejzer. He leaves a brother, Boleslaus Slejzer and his wife Helen, of Salem, a sister Irene Morrissey of Peabody and many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews.
Rev. Slejzer’s concelebrated funeral Mass will be held in St John The Baptist Church, 28 St Peter St., Salem on Thursday, August 22, 2002, at 10 am. Most Rev. Francis X. Irwin, Auxiliary Bishop of Boston, will be the principal celebrant. Burial will follow at St Mary’s Cemetery, Salem. Father will lie in state in the upper church on Wednesday, 1 to 8 pm. Arrangements by funeral directors, David H. Gonet and Robert G. Spychalski. For guest book and directions www.SalemFuneralHome.com.
DIRECTIONS TO The St John The Baptist Church, 28 St. Peter Street, Salem: FROM THE NORTH OR SOUTH: Take RT. 95 to RT. 128 NORTH to Exit 25E (RT.114 EAST). Follow RT. 114 through Peabody into Salem. From the Salem Line, continue on RT. 114(North Street) for 3/4 to 1 mile until you go up on a bridge or overpass. Stay in right lane and take the off ramp on right marked RT. 107 NORTH. At STOP sign Go RIGHT onto RT. 107 NORTH (Bridge Street). Go under bridge. Continue Straight through a pedestrian crossing (with overhead blinking yellow lights) and a small rotary on RT. 107 NORTH, until coming to a street on your right at the bottom of the hill. Take the right onto St Peter Street. The parking lot and the church will be on the left, just after the old Salem Jail.