Monsignor Robert Senetsky

Monsignor Robert Paul Senetsky, 90, a priest of the Eparchy of Passaic serving at Saints Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church  in Peekskill, NY, fell asleep in the Lord at New York Presbyterian Hospital in Cortlandt, NY following a brief illness.

Monsignor Robert was born in Dickson City, PA on February 18, 1935, the son of the late Andrew Senetsky and Anna Labonick. He was Baptized and Chrismated at Saint Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, Scranton, PA. After his education in local schools, he attended Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA where he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree. Following this, he attended the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of Saints Cyril and Methodius in Pittsburgh, PA where he completed his studies for the priesthood. He was ordained to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ by Bishop Nicholas T. Elko on April 23, 1960.  Following his ordination to the priesthood, he served at St Thomas the Apostle Byzantine Catholic Church in Rahway, NJ; Saint John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Church in Lyndora, PA; and Saints Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church in Peekskill, NY where he served for over six decades. He also attended the Gregorian University and the Pontifical Oriental Institute in Rome and received a Doctorate in Canon Law in 1966.

During the years of his priestly service, and in addition to his parish assignments, Monsignor Robert also served as Eparchial Protosyncellus (Vicar General), Eparchial Judicial Vicar, Eparchial Chancellor, Auditor and instructing Judge of the Tribunal, Eparchial Finance Officer, Eparchial Consultor, and Vicar for Priests. In 1973 he was appointed a Consultor of the Pontifical Commission for the Revision of the Oriental Code of Canon Law. In 1977, Pope Paul VI appointed him a Papal Prelate of Honor with the title “Monsignor.”. In 1983 he was appointed Consultor to the Oriental Congregation. 

Monsignor Robert was preceded in death by his parents and siblings.

Bishop Kurt Burnette will celebrate the Funeral Divine Liturgy with Prayer of Absolution and Pouring of Oil at Saint Mary Byzantine Catholic Church in Scranton, PA on September 11, 2025, 11:00 AM. Father Roman Vasylynka is Parochial Administrator of Saint Mary’s in Scranton. The Office of Christian Burial for a Priest will be celebrated the evening before (September 10, 2025) at 7:00 PM, by local and visiting clergy. Visitation will be from 6:00 – 7:00 PM inside the church.

On Tuesday, September 9, 2025, there will be visitation from 4:00 – 5:00 PM at Monsignor Senetksy’s former parish, Saints Peter and Paul, 705 Shenandoah Ave., Peekskill for parishioners. 

A Requiem Divine Liturgy with Panachida will be celebrated at 5:00 PM 

 Interment will be at Saint Mary Parish Cemetery in Scranton.

“Well done, my good and faithful servant …Come, share your master’s joy!” (Mt 23)