Rev. Msgr. Joseph William Pokusa, Jr., died on October 9, 2020. He was 76.
Msgr. Pokusa was born on June 18, 1944 in Newark, NJ. He prepared for the Priesthood at Mount Saint Paul Seminary in Wisconsin, obtained a Bachelor's Degree from Marquette University, and a Master's and Doctorate of Canon Law from Catholic University. Msgr. Pokusa was ordained to the Priesthood on May 23, 1970 in Camden, NJ by Bishop George H. Guilfoyle. He served at Holy Savior in Westmont; Christ the King in Haddonfield; St. Jude in Blackwood; St. Teresa in Runnemede; St. Pius X in Cherry Hill; St. Peter Celestine in Cherry Hill; St. Gregory in Magnolia. He also served at the Apostolic Nunciature in Washington, DC from 2005-2015. Msgr. Pokusa was appointed Protonotary Apostolic by Pope Benedict XVI and Missionary of Mercy by Pope Francis. He was most recently in residence at Holy Child Parish in Runnemede.
Beloved son of the late Joseph W. Sr. and Elizabeth Theresa (nee McNulty) Pokusa. Devoted brother of Florence J. O'Keefe, Robert E. Pokusa (Margaret), James J. Pokusa (Mary Elizabeth), and the late Christine M Coryell. Brother in law of Donald Coryell. Loving uncle of Jeff, Sean, Meagan, Patricia, Katie, Gregory, Julie, Kara, Don, Michael, Kerrie, Danielle, and Shannon.
Reception of the body will take place at 5:00 PM on Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at Our Lady of Hope Parish, St. Agnes RC Church, 701 Little Gloucester Road, Blackwood, NJ 08012. The viewing will follow until 8:00 PM. The viewing will continue on Thursday, October 15 at 9:30 AM until 10:15 AM. The Most Rev. Dennis J. Sullivan will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial immediately following the viewing at 10:30 AM. Burial will take place at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Berlin. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Teresa Regional School, 27 E. Evesham Road, Runnemede, NJ 08078.
Live-streaming of the Funeral Mass will be available through the link below:
https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/61742316
Services
Reception Of The Body
Blackwood, NJ 08012
Visitation
Blackwood, NJ 08012
Visitation
Blackwood, NJ 08012
Mass Of Christian Burial
Blackwood, NJ 08012
Interment
Berlin, NJ 08009
Rest In Peace good and faithful servant...
Rev. Msgr. Joseph William Pokusa, Jr. married my son Marc and Becky
So many memories. After doing all of the pre wedding prep, Monsignor concelebrated our marriage in 1981,. Broke bread with us many days (Paul had a habit of inviting him after Mass on Sunday, and if he was available he would come.). Offered a private First Communion for Paul who went to school at St. Lukes and had to make his Communion at St. Jude. He concelebrated Paul & Bridget's marriage and was a concelebrant as we said good bye to Hank three years ago. Rest in Peace Monsignor. Thank you for all those memories and other not mentioned. Well done good and faithful servant.
There is no doubt that Monsignor Joseph Pokusa was a good and faithful servant. He used his God-given talents and gifts to serve God's people throughout his entire priesthood. He was faithful to the daily recitation of the Divine Office that he said for the people. I know on October 9th he heard the words, "Come, you who have my Father's blessing. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." May you rest in peace, dear friend.
A Priest of Profound Faith and Prayer who walked Humbly with his God. Since 1968, Monsignor Joe has witnessed to me as a fellow member of the Diocesan Pastoral Council; as my “boss” in two parishes where I served as his secretary; a spiritual director, confessor and confidant; a Spiritual Assistant to my OCDS Community. At the time of my husband’s illness, he came to our home many times with the Sacraments for Sam and never left without giving us his blessing, then bowing his head, he would as for ours! Countless memories of pilgrimages with him to his parish cathedral in Newark; to favorite shrines; and to DC where he introduced us to the Papal Nuncio and acted as our guide to his favorite places in DC. Oh! so many memories that will still lead, guide and bless me.
Save me a spot where you are, good friend. “With God’s help” - I’ll see you there!
October 12, 2020
There are no words that can describe this Holy Man. Wonderful, compassionate, a heart of kindness, always ready to lend his ear and give you an answer to your question and concern. ( maybe not the one you were looking and hoping for) but one that was always RIGHT
after you dwelled on it. I would say he was like a man with a child's heart always loving Jesus and Mary. I have known him for thirty-three years and has been my Confessor and Spiritual Director for over thirty years. He was such an inspiration and was my leader on my Faith
journey. I surly will miss him but I know and feel for sure he is resting well in the arms of Christ Jesus.
Maureen P Witkowski
Friend
Thank you for your years of service to the parishioners of Holy Child Parish. I loved your You sermons at the 7 AM daily Mass. Your will be missed. May you rest in peace.
Msgr Pokusa was a most devoted Servant of our Lord. Years ago when he first came to ST. Teresa's Church I remember him many times walking the grounds in between the then rectory (now offices) and the school facing Evesham Rd with a rosary in hand praying. I requested he marry me/husband at St Teresa's Church in 1996 and he did. He had just come back from an Italy gift celebrating his 25th year in the priesthood. When my mother passed away in 2017, I requested he come to Gardner's Funeral Home to pray and he did. Most recently I have been watching mass through the Holy Child Parish website. He continued to celebrate mass when he did not look well and had been in the hospital. God rest the soul of Msgr. Pokusa and I know he will be praying for all of us as he continues to be a Servant of the Lord.
Barbara Parker
I am so sorry for your lost I am glad to have known him. He was the nicest and most helpful priest when I needed him to lock the church Rest In Peace you will be missed
Add to Your Calendar
Obit Checkin
