Posted January 3, 2022

Father Ferdinand Buccafurni, pastor emeritus of the former St. Donato Parish in Philadelphia, died Dec. 16, 2021 at Lankenau Hospital, Wynnewood. He was 91.

He was born in Calabria, Italy. After moving to the United States in 1940 with his family including parents Vincent and Marina (Mazza) Buccafurni and residing in Philadelphia, he attended St. Mary of the Eternal School in North Philadelphia and Roman Catholic High School before entering St. Charles Borromeo Seminary.

Father Buccafurni was ordained a priest May 15, 1958 at the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul, Philadelphia, by Archbishop John F. O’Hara, C.S.C.

Father Buccafurni served as parochial vicar at Immaculate Conception Parish, Kelayres, Pa.; Holy Saviour Parish, Norristown; Mater Dolorosa Parish, Philadelphia; St. Donato Parish, Philadelphia and Visitation B.V.M. Parish, Norristown. He also served as parochial administrator of Our Lady of Angels Parish, Philadelphia.

Father Buccafurni served as pastor of St. Mary Magdalen De Pazzi Parish in South Philadelphia, and St. Donato Parish in West Philadelphia. He retired from active ministry in 2013, the same year St. Donato closed.

The funeral Mass was celebrated Dec. 23 at St. Colman Church in Ardmore. Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez was the main celebrant and concelebrants included Father John Ames and Father Joseph Okonski, and Msgr. Joseph Nicolo, who was the homilist.

Interment was at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Philadelphia.