Wcela – Emil A., Most Reverend, on May 21, 2022. Born in Bohemia N.Y. on May 1, 1931. Ordained a priest of the Diocese of Rockville Centre on June 2, 1956. Ordained auxiliary bishop on December 13, 1988. Served as vicar for the Eastern Vicariate of the diocese until his retirement on April 3, 2007. After serving as associate pastor of Maria Regina, Church, Seaford, was appointed in 1959 to the faculty of St. Pius X Preparatory Seminary where he taught Latin. Bishop Wcela earned MA degrees in Classical Studies from Fordham University and Semitic Studies from The Catholic University of America and licentiates in theology from The Catholic University of America and Sacred Scripture from the Pontifical Biblical Institute. In 1965, he was assigned to the faculty of Immaculate Conception Seminary, Huntington. From 1973-1979 he served as rector. Bishop Wcela served as director of the program of continuing education of priests from 1969-1975. He was the author of six books in a Bible study series and of numerous articles and book reviews. From 1979-1987, he served as Pastor of the Parish of St. Joseph, Garden City. Named an honorary prelate (Monsignor) by Pope Saint John Paul II in 1980. In 1988, named founding pastor of Resurrection Church, Farmingville. Served United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in many capacities. Brother and sister-in-law, Joseph and Barbara Wcela, live in Florida. His mother, Albina Kovarik Wcela, passed away in 1996, and his father, Emil died in 1970. Wake Thursday from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm at St. John the Evangelist R.C. Church, Riverhead, LI. Vigil Mass Thursday 7:30 pm at St. John the Evangelist R.C. Church, Riverhead, LI. Funeral Mass Friday 11:00 am at St. John Nepomucene R.C. Church, Bohemia, LI. Interment to follow at St. John Nepomucene Cemetery, Bohemia, LI. Arrangements entrusted to The Fredrick J. Chapey & Sons Funeral Home. www.chapeyfamily.com