Rev. Ignatius William Staniszewski SSP CANFIELD - The Rev. Ignatius William Staniszewski of the Society of St. Paul, passed away at Select Specialty Hospital in Youngstown on Jan. 24, after a decades long struggle with Parkinson's Disease. Raised in Lackawanna, N.Y., in 1952, as a sophomore in high school, Fr. Staniszewski entered the Society of St. Paul's minor seminary, Queen of Apostles in Derby, N.Y. The Society of St. Paul is an international congregation made up of priests and brothers dedicated to the use of media in spreading the Gospel. At the seminary, he was immediately immersed in the media ministry and spirituality of the Society. The students and faculty of Queen of Apostles produced and distributed hundreds of thousands of pamphlets and books that deepened people's love of God and helped them cope with their every day lives. He completed his novitiate and took his first vows in 1958, in Canfield, where he finished his courses in Philosophy. In Ohio, he was the circulation manager of The Catholic Home Messenger, at the time a leading national magazine. At that time, he was also a part of the Society's pioneering efforts at producing radio dramas teaching moral truths. Having completed his philosophy studies in Canfield, he was sent to Rome to study Theology. While there he completed his S.T.L. degree from St. Anselm University and was ordained on June 30, 1964. In 1965, he was assigned teacher at Queen of Apostles High School and College Seminary. Later, he was appointed rector of the seminary and superior of the local community. As such he played a vital role in the formation of future priests and religious brothers. After the seminary's closing, he was a key figure in founding St Paul's High School of Communications Arts. During this period, he completed studies in Communications and Sociology at the University of Buffalo and received a M.S. in Education from Canisius College. In 1978, he returned to Rome for further studies at St. Anselm's and took an advanced course in the Charism of the Society of St. Paul. On his return, he was assigned to the house in Canfield, where he became editor of the award winning magazine for priests, Pastoral Life. The magazine covered all aspects of ministry from preaching to pastoral counseling. In 1984, he was appointed Provincial Superior of the Society of St. Paul in the U.S., serving in that capacity until 1992. After his two terms as provincial had ended, he transferred to the Audio Visual Department in Canfield, but shortly there after made superior of the Staten Island community, where he became publisher of Alba House Books. It was during his assignment as Superior of the Canfield Community, 2004 to 2010, that his Parkinson's disease steadily progressed. Throughout, his example of heroic virtue and courage, impressed his fellow religious and the laity who knew him. On Dec. 26, 2014, he entered the hospital for treatment and follow-up rehabilitation. From here, he would eventually succumb to his long-suffered illness. His participation in numerous international meetings of the Society of St. Paul was a significant contribution to the global ministry of the congregation. He considered himself extraordinarily blessed to have celebrated his 50th jubilee of Pauline ordination in June of last year. His life as a priest was truly golden, as he proved to be an excellent confessor, spiritual guide, and masterful administer of the sacraments. He was appreciated and loved by all those who were privileged to know him. He is survived by his brothers, Edward and Joseph Staniszewski and numerous nieces and nephews. Calling hours and the Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Society of St. Paul's Chapel at 9531 Akron Canfield Road in Ellsworth. The calling hours will be from 7 to 9 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 30, and the Mass will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday Jan. 31. Visit foxfuneralhome.org to view this tribute and to send condolences.