Let us pray for our dearly departed clergy and men and women religious whose Masses of Christian Burial were held in July. 

Father Robert T. Ulak

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at Our Lady of Mercy R. C. Church in Park Ridge, N.J., for Father Robert T. Ulak.

Father Ulak of Hasbrouck Heights, N.J., formerly of Park Ridge, N.J., passed away suddenly on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at the age of 79.

Father Ulak was born in Irvington, N.J., to Helen (Fafara) Ulak and Theodore Ulak. He graduated from Seton Hall University in 1966 and also received two Masters degrees from Seton Hall. He was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Thomas Boland in May 1970. He served as Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of Mercy Church, Park Ridge, N.J., from 2000 until his retirement in 2021. His ministry also included service at Corpus Christi Church in Hasbrouck Heights (1970-1994) and Sacred Heart Church in Irvington, N.J., from 1994-2000.

He was the beloved brother of Dr. Linda Ulak and Ronald Ulak and his wife Leslie Grossman Ulak; the loving uncle of Sharon Ulak (Josh MacMillin) and David Ulak; and the adoring grand-uncle of Gavin Asher MacMillin. He is also survived by other relatives and many loving friends.

Father Patrick M. Mulewski

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at Corpus Christi R.C. Church in Hasbrouck Heights, N.J., for Father Patrick M. Mulewski.

Father Mulewski, 73, of Rutherford, formerly of Hasbrouck Heights, passed away on Sunday, July 21, 2024. He was born in Bayonne, N.J., to the late Mary and Joseph Mulewski.

He received his Masters Degree from Seton Hall University. Father Mulewskii was ordained a Roman Catholic Priest in the Archdiocese of Newark on May 26, 1979, by Archbishop Peter L. Gerety.

Before retiring, Father Mulewski served as Pastor at Corpus Christi R.C. Church in Hasbrouck Heights and previously as a Pastor at St. Pius X R.C. Church in Old Tappan. He also served as a Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of Mount Carmel R.C. Church in Ridgewood and as a Parochial Vicar and teacher at St. Paul the Apostle R.C. Church in Jersey City. He also taught at St. Anthony’s High School in Jersey City.

He was the dear brother of Joseph Mulewski and his wife Marsha, the cherished uncle of Tasha Hamill and her husband Brian and Kristin Mulewski, and the nephew of Wanda Gallagher and Susan Todd.

Father Mulewski will be fondly remembered for being a primary Celebrant of many of the Sacraments and also serving as a coach, mentor, and dear friend to all of his parishioners who became his extended family.

Sister Germaine Fritz, O.S.B. 

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, July 26, 2024, at the St. Walburga Monastery in Elizabeth, N.J., for Sister Germaine Fritz, O.S.B.

Sister Fritz of the Benedictine Sisters of Elizabeth entered eternal life on July 21, 2024. She was raised in Maplewood, N.J., and entered the Benedictine Sisters on July 11, 1954. Her monastic Profession was on Feb. 3, 1956. Sister Fritz received a bachelor’s degree in education from Seton Hall University and a master’s degree in music from New York University.

Sister Fritz was an educator who taught at the following schools: Our Lady of the Lake in Sparta, St. Michael’s in Cranford, Blessed Sacrament, and Benedictine Academy, both in Elizabeth. She also taught at and later served as principal of Paterson Catholic Regional High School. Following her time in education, Sister Fritz went on to become Prioress of the Community from 1985 to 1997.

She was predeceased by her parents, Leo and Isabel Fritz, her brother, Father Germaine Fritz, O.S.B., and her brother-in-law, Joseph Garrity. Sister Fritz is survived by her sisters, Isabel Garrity and Jocelyn Collins, and her husband Michael, many nieces and nephews and grand-nieces and nephews as well as her Benedictine Community.

Deacon William R. Benedetto

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, Aug. 2, 2024, at Queen of Peace Church in North Arlington, N.J., for Deacon William R. Benedetto.

Deacon Benedetto, 76, a lifelong North Arlington resident, died July 29, 2024, at home in the presence of his family.

Deacon Benedetto, a 1966 graduate of North Arlington High School, served in the US Navy, where he achieved the rank of Petty Officer 2nd class. He was stationed at Point Mugu, Cali. and served two tours of Vietnam aboard aircraft carriers. 

He worked at PSE&G for 40 years, and he retired as a senior customer service representative and part-time supervisor.

He was a former member of the North Arlington Fire Department, Schuyler Engine Company # 2.

Deacon Benedetto was ordained a Permanent Deacon for the Archdiocese of Newark on May 16, 1992. In addition to his many responsibilities as a deacon, he taught religious education for 30 years and served as the Director of Religious Education for four years at Queen of Peace Church, North Arlington.

He was the loving husband of Lorraine ( nee Vanna ); the devoted father of Father William F. Benedetto ( Parochial Vicar, Madonna Roman Catholic Church, Fort Lee )and the late Annemarie Lyn Benedetto; the dear brother of Ed Benedetto and his wife Sue, RuthAnn Polukort, Mike, Jim, Pete, and Donny Benedetto, and the late Mildred Bulger; and the adored uncle of many nieces and nephews.