Rev. Fr. Oscar A. Aquino Obituary (1937

With deep sorrow and firm hope in the resurrection, we announce the passing of Rev. Father Oscar Aquino, who peacefully entered into eternal rest after a long and faithful life of priestly service. Born on February 6, 1937, in Mangaldan, Pangasinan, Philippines, Father Oscar was the beloved son of the late Amando Aquino and Encarnacion Aquino. From a young age, he responded wholeheartedly to God's call to the priesthood. He was ordained on April 1, 1962, and served the Church for over 40 years with unwavering faith, humility, and dedication. He began his priestly ministry in the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan, where he was assigned to various parishes and took on significant leadership roles throughout the years. Father Oscar also served as Director of several Catholic schools, where he was known for his wisdom, discipline, and pastoral care for students and faculty. During the episcopacy of the late Archbishop Mariano Madriaga, he was appointed Chancellor of the Archdiocese, and under Archbishop Federico G. Limon, he became Vicar-General, providing steady leadership and support to clergy and the wider faith community. Later in his life, Father Oscar continued his ministry abroad, serving in the Archdiocese of New York, where he worked in parish ministry before retiring. He also held a Master's degree in Theology, which greatly enriched his teaching, preaching, and service to the Church. He is lovingly remembered by his siblings: Rebecca Domaggaz, Nilo Aquino, Arnulfo Aquino, and Jose Aquino, as well as extended family, brother priests, former students, and many parishioners and friends from both the Philippines and the United States. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church, 150-75 Goethals Ave., Jamaica, NY 11432: Traditional Latin Requiem Mass at 1:00 PM, celebrated by Fr. Christopher Salvatori English Funeral Mass at 7:30 PM, with Bishop Edmund Whalen as main celebrant, joined by Fr. Victor Arenas and other concelebrating priests Viewing Times: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM and 8:30 PM - 9:30 PM Following the services in New York, Father Oscar's body will be shipped to the Philippines. The following funeral rites will take place: Wake at St. Thomas Aquinas Church - Poblacion, Mangaldan, Pangasinan. Funeral Mass at St. John Cathedral - Dagupan City, Pangasinan. Interment at Saints Peter and Paul Clergy Cemetery - Calasiao, Pangasinan. As we mourn the passing of Rev. Father Oscar Aquino, we give thanks for his many years of faithful service to God, the Church, and His people. May the Lord whom he served so generously now welcome him into the joy of eternal life. "Well done, good and faithful servant... enter into the joy of your Lord." -- Matthew 25:23 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to support Monsignor's legacy through the Mary Help of Christians School of Theology, Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan. 1. via Zelle by entering recipient name "slraajamaica@gmail.com"; 2. through PayPal by visiting www.slraa.org/donate (and don't forget to include your intentions and petitions in the notes section of PayPal); or 3. by check made payable to SLRAA, Inc. and mailing it to 168-41 84th Ave. Jamaica, NY 11432 Thank you for your generosity. Visit www.slraa.org/donate for more information.