Nochelski, Paul W.

Jesuit Father Paul W. Nochelski, age 71, a Jesuit for 53 years, and a priest for 41 years, died on July 14, 2012, at Murray-Weigel Hall, Bronx, NY. Fr. Nochelski was born on July 9, 1941, in Rochester, NY the son of Paul and Florence (Kowalewski) Nochelski. After attending McQuaid Jesuit High School, Rochester (1954-58), he entered the Society of Jesus at Bellarmine College, in Plattsburgh, NY on July 30, 1958. Following his novitiate, first vows and collegiate studies there, he proceeded south to Loyola Seminary, Shrub Oak, NY, for the study of philosophy. From 1965-68, as a Jesuit seminarian he taught English and History at Canisius High School, Buffalo. In his last summer there, he received the M.A. in History from Fordham University.

For the study of theology in preparation for the priesthood, he studied at Woodstock College, from 1968-71 and received the Master of Divinity degree (M.Div.) in 1971. He returned to his home city of Rochester where he was ordained to the priesthood on May 29, 1971. Engagement in education would be the constant thread of his priestly ministry as a teacher, administrator, and chaplain. He was involved in administration while living at Canisius High as an assistant to the Principal (1971-78). From 1978-86 he served at Nazareth College, Rochester, working with the alumni and as an Associate Chaplain.

He returned to his alma mater and served as Principal of McQuaid Jesuit High from 1986-91. He returned to studies in Secondary Education Administration at SUNY, Buffalo (1991-93) receiving his Ph.D. in 1994. Beginning in 1993 he served at Canisius College in several capacities as Professor of Education and as Department Chair of Graduate Education. With a pleasant and positive personality, Fr. Nochelski was easy to work with, and always very articulate in his conversation and his writing. He embodied the Jesuit principle of “care for the whole person.” Because of health problems, he was transferred to Murray-Weigel Hall, Bronx, NY in 2011 and he died there on 14 July 2012.

The Mass of Christian Burial was held on July 19 at St. Michael’s Church, Buffalo, NY followed by burial at the Jesuit Cemetery in Auriesville, NY. He is survived by his sister, Corrine Lovett of Rochester, NY.