Obituary of Reverend Adam Pupsys

Father Adam Pupsys served the Diocese of Brooklyn, N.Y. from 1960 until 1967 and the Diocese of Norwich from March 1967 until his death in Old Saybrook, CT, December 14, 2013, after a long illness. He was 96 years old. He was born in Lithuana on August 28, 1917, to Michael and Emilia Stancius Pupsys. There he completed his elementary and secondary education. After his 21st birthday in 1939 he was drafted to serve in the Lithuanian military and because of the complicated political atmosphere of that time, his service continued until 1945. For 18 months Father was held as a prisoner of war, but in September 1946, he was released and able to enter the Archdiocesan Seminary of St. Catherine of Pisa, Italy, where he studied philosophy. In July 1948 he transferred to the Pontifical Lithuanian College of St. Casimir in Rome and was ordained to the holy priesthood on January 20, 1952 by late Bishop Francesco Beretti, at the Church of Our Lady (Dominae Nostrae a S.C.J.) in Circo Agonali, Rome. In September 1952, Father Adam Pupsys began his studies of Canon (Church) and Civil Law at Pontifical Lateranense University. On May 14, 1959 he publicly defended cum laude his dissertation and obtained a Doctor's Degree in "Utoque Iure" (in Canon and Civil Law) from the Pontifical Lateran University. He simultaneously completed three years of study at the Sacra Romana Rota (the highest appellate tribunal of the Catholic Church) for issues related to marriage and three years of study "Proxim Processualem" at the Sacred Congregation of the Council, also in Rome. While studying during the week, Fr. Adam devoted his weekends to pastoral work at the church of the Immaculate Conception, Rome. During two summers he performed the spiritual works among Lithuanian people in Scotland and two summers as an assistant in a German parish in Bavaria, Germany. While awaiting immigration to the United States, Fr. Adam served two years as chaplain for the Polish Sisters of St. Ursula in the Diocese of Gaeta, Scauri / Minturno, Italy. There he ministered to young adults in High School. In November 1960, he immigrated to the United States and worked in the Diocese of Brooklyn, N.Y. Assigned to the parish of St. Athanasius by the Most Reverend Bryan J. McEntegart, Bishop of the diocese, Fr. Adam served as assistant to Msgr. Elwood A. Purick, the pastor. In a testimonial letter to the Bishop, Msgr. Purick wrote: "I must tell you of my admiration, respect, and love for Father Adam Pupsys. He is in every way a real Priest, most devoted to all his work, the nicest and most agreeable kind of a person to live with and work with…. I would love to have him. There are not too many like him … conscientious gentleman-priests, whom I consider capable and loyal." Father's second assignment was at St. Matthew's parish, where he worked from June 1964 to March 1967. During this time he worked successfully and cooperatively with parishioners to organize and minister to CCD and High School students. He established the Holy Rosary Society and the "Young Christian Movement," a lay apostolic movement by and for young working adults. In March 1967 Fr. Adam came to the Diocese of Norwich. The Most Reverend Vincent Himes, Bishop of the diocese assigned him to St. Paul's Parish in Waterford. Shortly thereafter, Fr. Adam was re-assigned to St. Sebastian's Parish in Middletown. He followed his calling to work with youth and served as Sunday School Coordinator and also as the Moderator of the alter servers. He was also known as a source of constant comfort to the sick and elderly. Working with them, not only bringing them the sacraments and counseling them to have the courage to carry on, but also caring for their personal needs. His work was an inspiration to all parishioners. On November 9, 1979, Fr. Adam was assigned to St. John's Parish, Middletown. Following a life of prayer and limited duties he recovered from open-heart surgery. On November 12, 1985, Fr. Adam was assigned as Parochial Vicar to St. John's Parish in Old Saybrook. There he loved the people and was always there for them. To characterize him, Fr. Adam was humble with a great compassion for all peoples. He served as a constant reminder of love of others, love of the church, and the call to follow Christ. The Most Reverend Daniel P. Reilly, Bishop of the Diocese of Norwich wrote a letter on Fr. Adam's 40th Anniversary of Ordination, saying: "You are a loyal and faithful priest, who loves God, and His people and brother priests. Fr. Adam instructed and directed the alter servers, participated in CCD programs, and constantly visited the sick and confined. Always ready to share in the regular, pastoral, and sacramental ministry in this busy parish. Upon retirement from active priestly duties, Fr. Adam was under the protection and motherly care with love by Sarah V. Becker. She cared for him as a member of her own family. Please pray for the repose of Fr. Adam's soul. The Vigil with Reception at St. John's Church, 161 Main Street, in Old Saybrook for Father Pupsys will be held at 3:00PM on Tuesday, December 17, 2013, Visitation will follow from 4:00PM to 6:00PM followed by a Parish Mass. The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, Bishop of Norwich will preside at the Funeral Mass on Wednesday, December 18, 2013 at 10:30AM. Interment will follow in St. John's Cemetery in Old Saybrook. Donations may be made in Fr. Adam's memory to the Lithuanian Seminary Fund, Knight's of Lithuania, St. Casimir's Guild Inc., 1110 Darlene Dr., Endicott, NY 13760.