Villanova, Pa.- Reverend Anthony M. Genovese, O.S.A., widely know as Father Mickey, passed away over the weekend at the age of 72. For the past four years, Father Mickey served as the Team Chaplain for the Villanova women's basketball team where he was a loyal and integral part of the program. During his time with the team, he was known for his enthusiasm, passion and positive outlook to the players, coaches and support staff.
Father Mickey was born on October 27, 1946, on Staten Island, New York, the son of Anthony Genovese and Margaret McCloskey.
He was received into the Order of Saint Augustine as a novice on September 9, 1965, and after a year at Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, New York, professed simple vows on September 10, 1966. He then attended Villanova University, where he received his BA in Philosophy in 1970. He pursued theological studies at the Washington Theological Union from 1970 until 1973 and professed solemn vows on October 12, 1970. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 16, 1973, at Our Mother of Consolation Church, Chestnut Hill, PA., by Bishop Walter Sullivan, Bishop of Richmond, Virginia.
Father Mickey was assigned to Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, Bronx, New York, as parochial assistant. In 1977, he was assigned to Assumption/Saint Paul Parish, Mechanicville, New York, first as parochial assistant, and then as pastor, from 1978 to 1983. In 1983, he returned to Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, Bronx, New York, as pastor, where he served as a board member of the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition Corporation. In 1983, he was elected to the Board of the Fordham Road Development Corporation, and in 1986, was elected Chair of the Board of the University Heights Development Corporation.
In September 1986, Father Mickey was appointed Pastor of Saint Thomas of Villanova Parish, Villanova. As pastor, he established a joint committee with Villanova University to renovate the campus' parish church and successfully raised funds to complete the renovation in 1993. From 1994 to 2006, Father Mickey was a member of the Augustinian Preaching Apostolate and preached parish renewals and workshops around the United States with the theme: "Believe the Good News…We Are Loved." In 2006, he was appointed prior of Saint Thomas Monastery, Villanova, with responsibility for the health care of the elder and infirm friars of the Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova.
He was elected Prior Provincial of the Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova, on February 18, 2010, and was installed in this office on June 16th, during the Ordinary Provincial Chapter. Following the Provincial elections of 2014, he retired due to health concerns and continued to reside at Saint Thomas of Villanova Monastery, where he died suddenly on Sunday, July 21, 2019.
Father Mickey's physical stature and booming voice, which he used to great advantage in his preaching ministry, were never able to conceal his warm and outgoing personality, nor a heart motivated by devotion and care especially for the weak and needy.
Funeral arrangements for Fr. Anthony M. Genovese, O.S.A. are as follows:
Viewing:
Thursday, July 25, 2019
St. Thomas of Villanova Church, Villanova, PA
4:30 - 7:15 pm
Funeral Mass:
Thursday, July 25, 2019
St. Thomas of Villanova Church, Villanova, PA
7:30 pm
Burial:
Friday, July 26, 2019
Augustinian Section
Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken, PA
10:00 am
