Rev. John Jerome Sakowski

Rev. John Jerome Sakowski passed away January 24, 2022 at his residence in Santa Clara, CA at the age of 69.

Fr. John was born in Pottsville, PA on May 3, 1952. Loving son of the late John and Gertrude Sakowski.  Fr. John grew up in Carteret, NJ. He attended Catholic schools through the 12th grade. Fr.  John studied Engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, and received a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Civil and Structural Engineering.  He worked as a structural engineer before fulfilling a life-long call to the priesthood. He attended St. Patrick’s Seminary and received a Master’s of  Divinity from Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, CA, and he continued his education at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. in Canon Law.

Fr. John was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of San Francisco on June 25, 2005 by the late Archbishop William Levada. He served in the following parishes: St. Gabriel, SF, St. Charles, San Carlos, and as Pastor of St. Monica-St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, SF.  Fr. John was very grateful for the hospitality and care provided by Gary Barnes.

During his eleven years as pastor, Fr. John reached out spiritually and touched many lives, he employed his engineering skills to transform the worship space in both churches, and he was among the first to authorize retrofitting St. Monica-St. Thomas the Apostle Schools to ensure a safe environment for staff and students.

Friends may visit Sunday, February 6, 2022 from 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm at St. Monica Church, (23rd and Geary) in San Francisco.  A Vigil Service will be held at 4:30 pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Monday, February 7, 2022 at 11:00 am at St. Monica Church. A private family interment will take place at Holy Cross, Colma.

If you would like to concelebrate please contact Jessica at Saint Monica Church at 415-751-5275. Remember to bring your alb and stole.

Donations will benefit the San Francisco Priests Archdiocesan Retirement Fund, One Peter Yorke Way, San Francisco, CA 94109.”

Photo: Dennis Callahan/Archdiocese of San Francisco

Card of Condolence can be sent to:

The John and Sharon Chrin Family

117 North 7th Street, Frackville, PA 17931-1018

Please join Archbishop Cordileone, Bishop Justice, Bishop Wang, Fr. Stephen Howell, Fr. Patrick Summerhays, and me in praying for Fr. John and his family.