Rev. Anthony Maione, 48

Father Maione died May 23 at the age of 48 after a brief illness. A native of Long Island, he was ordained a priest of the Albany Diocese in 1985. He remained in the Albany Diocese for much of his ministry, transferring to the Diocese of Orlando, Florida, five years ago to serve as diocesan director of youth services there.

Father Maione had begun his ministry working with youth, serving as campus minister and head of the theology department at Saratoga Central Catholic High School. He was also clergy liaison to the diocesan Office of Evangelization and Catechesis.

He served at several parishes in the Diocese, including St. Edward's in Clifton Park and St. Gabriel's in Rotterdam; at Pyramid Life Center in Paradox; and as a hospital chaplain and sacramental minister to Skidmore College in Saratoga.

However, it was in his ministry to young people that Father Maione's gifts were most evident. Active in leading retreats for youth and adults, he helped to found the Journey retreat program in the Diocese; he also coordinated youth participation in the annual Public Policy Forum, a lobbying day at the State Capitol. He was a member of both the National Catholic Educational Association and the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry.

In 1996, he received a peace and justice award from the Albany Diocese, followed by an "excellence in education" award from the alumni association of The University at Albany in 1998.

Father Maione also faced challenges in his ministry, including a rare neurological condition known as Ramsay Hunt's syndrome that caused temporary facial paralysis. During his recovery, he told The Evangelist that being stricken with the disease had sparked an interest in guidance and healing ministries.

"If my own suffering has given someone an opportunity to love more deeply or to serve God, then some good has come out of it, because when we love, God acts," he remarked. "There is divine intervention when people respond to suffering in love."

A Funeral Mass was offered for Father Maione at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Elmont, Long Island, followed by interment there. A memorial Mass will be offered for him at St. Gabriel's parish in Rotterdam on June 16, 7 p.m.

He is survived by his sister, MaryAnn Maione Morino of Elmont.

Father Maione believed that this life was an adventure. May his transition to the next life be a greater one, as he is welcomed into the arms of God.

(6/1/06) [[In-content Ad]]