Msgr. Stanislaus “Stanley” E. Kloskowski, a priest of the Diocese of Camden for over 50 years, died Saturday, Jan. 28. He was 84.
Born on Jan. 2, 1928 in South River, N.J., Msgr. Kloskowski attended Ss. Cyril and Methodius Seminary in Orchard Lake, Mich., before being ordained on May 31, 1958.
After his first assignment as parochial vicar at St. Edward Parish, Pine Hill, he went on to serve as parochial vicar at St. Joseph, South Camden (1958-67), Our Lady of Victories, Landisville (1967-69), and St. Michael, Gibbstown (1969-71), before being named administrator of St. Catherine, Clayton, in March 1971. Seven months later, he was named pastor of St. Catherine, where he served until 1978. Msgr. Kloskowski’s other pastorships included St. Luke, Stratford (1978-84); St. James, Penns Grove (1984-94); and St. Teresa of Avila, Bridgeton (1994-2002).
In addition to his parish work, he was on the Diocesan Priests’ Choir, serving as Diocesan organist; and on the Diocesan Liturgical Commission.
He was also a jazz musician, appearing in night clubs in the United States and Canada before he was ordained, and playing the accordion on such radio and television programs as the Arthur Godfrey Talent Scout program, and the Paul Whiteman TV Club.
Msgr. Kloskowski also held his own accordion concerts in the diocese, playing not only jazz, but classical and folk music, and original compositions.
He retired in 2002.
Deacon Bill Johnson of Holy Cross Parish, Bridgeton, was in diaconate training in 1994 at St. Teresa of Avila, when Msgr. Kloskowski arrived as pastor, and he remembers a “good, kind friend” with a passion for jazz and ham radio, who could be “no-nonsense,” but also “a jokester.”
At St. Teresa Parish, the pastor would never forget the hard work of the parish staff and volunteers. “He was always very appreciative of the things people did for the church,” Deacon Johnson recalled, adding that Msgr. Kloskowski would bring in gifts on Secretary’s Day, and host an annual parish dinner for volunteers.
Remaining friends over the years, Msgr. Kloskowski vested Deacon Johnson at his ordination.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Thursday, Feb. 2, at St. Gregory Church in Hamilton Square, N.J. Interment took place at St. Mary’s Cemetery, East Brunswick.
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