SHREWSBURY___Reverend Alphonse A. Volungis, 89, of Southgate in Shrewsbury died Tuesday February 19 in the Overlook Masonic Health Center, Post Acute Unit, Charlton.
Rev. Volungis leaves two sisters, Virginia Ivaska and Mary Arena, both of Worcester; two brothers, Edward Volungis of Las Vegas, Nevada and Richard Volungis of Mason, Ohio; a half brother, George Volungis of Sturbridge; nephews, nieces, grand nephews and grand nieces. He was predeceased by a brother and two sisters, Daniel Volungis, Julia Burneika, and Mildred Houston. He was born in Worcester, a son of Adam and Regina (Tamulevich) Volungis and was a graduate of South High School, Worcester. He studied at the College of the Holy Cross for three years and then prepared for the priesthood at the Seminary of Philosophy in Montreal from 1940 to 1941 and at the Seminary of Theology, Montreal from 1941 to 1945. He was ordained to the priesthood on January 13, 1945 by Bishop Thomas M. O’Leary in St. Michael’s Cathedral, Springfield.
Rev. Volungis served as associate pastor of St. Margaret Mary Parish, St. Casimir Parish and Our Lady of Vilna Parish all in Worcester. He was named associate pastor of St. Francis Parish, Athol in 1957 and returned to St. Casimir Parish as associate in 1961. He was named Pastor of St. Thomas-a-Becket Parish, South Barre in 1967. Fr. Volungis was named Pastor of Our Lady of Vilna Parish, Worcester in 1969 and served there for more than 30 years before retiring. He was also the spiritual advisor for Council 116 Knights of Lithuania.
The family wishes to thank Sr. Mary Ann Bartell for the loving care she provided to Father throughout his illness.
The funeral will be held on Saturday February 23, with a Mass at 10:00 a.m. in St. Casimir Church, 41 Providence Street, Worcester. Most Reverend Robert J. McManus, Bishop of Worcester will be the principal celebrant. Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery, Worcester. Calling hours in St. Casimir Church are Friday February 22 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The wake service will be held at 7:00 p.m., Most Reverend George E. Rueger will preside. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Priest Retirement Fund, Diocese of Worcester, 49 Elm St, Worcester, MA 01609, the Sisters of St. Casimir, 2001 West Marquette Rd, Chicago, IL 60629, the Sisters of Jesus Crucified, 201 Thatcher St, Brockton, MA 20302, the Lithuanian Catholic Religious Aid, 151 Highland Blvd, Brooklyn, NY 11207, the Marian Fathers, P.O. Box 368 Thompson, CT, 06277 or to a charity of the donor's choice. DIRSA-MORIN FUNERAL HOME, 298 Grafton Street, Worcester is directing funeral arrangements.