Francis J. Jann

Caneadea --- Fr. Francis J. Jann a former resisdent of Caneadea died, Wednesday, December 31, 2014 in Brothers of Mercy Nursing Home in Clarence.  He was born on March 12, 1922 in South Buffalo the son of the late Frank and Maria Sekelsky Jann.

Father Jann was a graduate of Saint Joseph Collegiate Institute in Kenmore and Saint Bonaventure University.  He attended Christ the King Seminary in Olean, NY and was ordained in Buffalo in 1947.

Father Jann served as administrator of Saint Mary Parish in Mayville for one year. He was transferred to Holy Name Parish in Buffalo in 1948 to serve as an assistant pastor until 1954.  Father Jann then served as assistant pastor and administrator of Saint Agatha Parish and then Saint Ambrose Parish, both in Buffalo, for full six-year terms from 1954 to 1966.

He assumed his first pastorate in Allegany County when he was named pastor of Saint Patrick Parish in Belfast in 1966.  Additionally, in 1974 Father Jann was assigned the pastorate of Saint Mark Parish in Rushford.

He pastored both parishes until 1999.  He remained on at Saint Mark Parish until 2011 where he officially retired after more than 64 years of service. Father retired to Brothers of Mercy Nursing Home in Clarence where he continued to serve the faithful.

Father was a beloved priest who will be deeply missed.

Surviving are three first cousins, Thomas Sekelsky of Florida, James Sekelsky of California, Mary Louise Yoviene of Orchard Park.

Family and friends may gather from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2015 at St. Mark’s Church, Rushford and from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 4, 2015 at St. Patrick’s Church, Belfast where a Mass of Christian Burial will held on Monday, January 5, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. Most Reverend Auxiliary Bishop Edward M. Grosz of Buffalo will be celebrant. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Belfast.

Memorials if desired to: NativityMiguel Middle School of Buffalo, 21 Davidson Ave., Buffalo, NY 14215