Thompson, CT– Reverend Father Albin J. Gurklis M.I.C. – 90, of Chase Rd, died Friday October 31, 2008 in Matulaitis Nursing Home. Born in Waterbury, CT, he was the son of the late Dominick and Barbara (Breidies) Gurklis.
Fr. Gurklis graduated from Marianapolis College in Thompson, CT. After completing novitiate, Father Gurklis entered the order of the Marians of the Immaculate Conception. He professed his first vow on July 16, 1940. Then after his third year of theology, he professed his final vows on July 16, 1943. On August 8, 1943, he was ordained a priest at Marianapolis College. Following his ordination, Father Gurklis completed his fourth year of theology. Father Gurklis was assigned to Marianapolis Preparatory School to teach. He dedicated the next 58 years of his life to teaching mathematics. From September 1950 to January 2008, Father Gurklis taught algebra, geometry, pre-calculus, and calculus, and chaired the Math Department. During his life as a Marian, Father Gurklis was a Provincial Councilor, a House Councilor, Assistant Headmaster, a resident prefect, and house secretary.
On weekends, Father Gurklis was dedicated to ministering to the Lithuanian-American Communities in Connecticut. For a quarter of a century, he celebrated and proclaimed Lithuanian masses, in New Britain, Ct and in Holy Trinity Parish in Hartford, Ct. He also assisted the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception in Putnam, Ct.
He is survived by a brother, John Gurklis of Columbus, OH.
Visiting Hours will be held at Marianapolis Preparatory School Chapel, 26 Chase Rd, Thompson, CT, on Monday, November 3, 2008 from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. and from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in the school chapel on Tuesday, November 4, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. A Memorial Mass will be held Wednesday November 5, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. in the National Shrine of the Devine Mercy, 2 Prospect Hill Rd., Stockbridge, MA. Burial will follow in Marian Cemetery in Stockbridge, MA. Memorial Donations may be made in Fr. Gurklis’ Memory to the Marian Seminary Fund, c/o Marianapolis Preparatory School, 26 Chase Rd. Thompson, CT 06277. Gilman Funeral Home is entrusted with his arrangements.
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