Funeral for Monsignor Francis J. Ansbro Happening Friday in Peekskill

Monsignor Francis J. Ansbro, 87, of the Church of the Assumption in Peekskill, died Wednesday (Nov. 6). 

Viewing hours are scheduled for 4 to 9 p.m. Thursday (Nov. 7). Cardinal Timothy Dolan will be the celebrant during the monsignor's funeral at 11 a.m. Friday (Nov. 8).

Click here for more information on the arrangements.

Here is the obituary, as provided by the Church of the Assumption:

Monsignor Francis J. Ansbro, Pastor Emeritus of Church of the Assumption, Peekskill, entered into Eternal Life on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2013.  Ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of New York on May 15, 1951, Monsignor Ansbro served the Peekskill community as priest and shepherd from Sept. 15, 1966 until the day he died. He became pastor in 1986 and upon his retirement in 2007, he became pastor emeritus remaining in residence. He was honored with the title monsignor in 1995. He is predeceased by his parents whom he cherished for their loving, devout and hard-working spirits and, his brother, Dr. John Ansbro, who was a constant source of inspiration.

From the moment he was first assigned to Assumption, Monsignor Ansbro embraced Peekskill as his home and her people as his own. One of his favorite expressions from Our Lord was, “That they all may be one…” and, he set out to promote that desire early on in his assignment. During his many years at Assumption, he gave his wisdom and guidance to  every ministry from C.C.D to C.Y.O, from altar servers to adult education and every ministry in between.  He was an active promoter of Assumption School and oversaw the expansion of Assumption Cemetery. He served as chaplain for the Catholic Daughters, the Knights of Columbus and Columbiettes, the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Peekskill Volunteer Ambulance Corps. He was also an active member of the Cenacle (a group praying for priests) and the Legion of Mary.  

Before his assignment to Assumption, Monsignor served the Church of St. Margaret in Pearl River, the Church of St. Malachy in New York City, Church of St. Patrick in Bedford and Church of St. Columbanus in Cortlandt Manor. 

Continuing to make his home in the Assumption Rectory in recent years, he greatly enjoyed and found great comfort in the fraternity of his brother priests, Father John Higgins, Father Vernon Wickrematunge, Father Vincent Druding and Father Louis Anderson.

Monsignor Ansbro was most fond of St. Paul’s words, “What have we that we have not received” and was keenly aware of those words in the conferring of the Sacraments. He felt blessed to share the joys and sorrows of his beloved Assumption family as only a Priest can and, was grateful to those who extended great kindness and care throughout his ministry.  

Calling hours were held on Thursday, Nov. 7, at Assumption Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Timothy Cardinal Dolan at Assumption Church in Peekskill at 11:00 AM, Friday, Nov. 8. Burial will follow at Assumption Cemetery in Cortlandt Manor.