Rev. Vincent F. Kobida

Born to Eternal Life on July 14, 2014, at age 68. Beloved brother of Marybeth (Joe) Lennon. Dear uncle of Michael Lennon, Timothy (Sheila) Lennon, Wendy (Brad) Cousino and Becky (Albert) Faraj; 29 great-nieces and nephews; and 3 great-great nieces and nephews. Loving godfather of Yeurys Sanchez. Also loved by other family and many friends. Rev. Kobida was ordained to the priesthood on May 16, 1980. He served the Archdiocese of Milwaukee for 2 years before traveling to serve the Diocese of San Juan de la Maguana in the Dominican Republic for 12 years. He then returned to the Milwaukee area and served until his retirement on June 27, 2014. Rev. Kobida was a much loved priest amongst all the parishioners whose lives he touched.

Visitation at the Funeral Home, 7001 West Brown Deer Road, on Friday, July 18, from 5:00-8:00 PM. Additional visitation at ST. CATHERINE OF ALEXANDRIA CATHOLIC CHURCH, 8661 North 76th Place, on Saturday at 9:00 AM until the time of Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM. The Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki, Archbishop of Milwaukee, will be the main presider. Due to his connection with, and his love for the parishioners in the Diocese of San Juan de la Maguana, Rev. Kobida's wishes to have his remains interred there will be honored.

Born on January 10, 1946 at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Father Kobida attended St. Lawrence Seminary, Mount Calvary, 1960-1964, and studied next at St. Joseph College in Rensselaer, Indiana, and UW-Milwaukee. He entered Saint Francis de Sales Seminary in January of 1978 and was ordained to the priesthood on May 16, 1980 by the Most Reverend Rembert G. Weakland, OSB, Archbishop of Milwaukee, at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Milwaukee.

Father Kobida began his priestly ministry on June 17, 1980 as an associate pastor at St. Philip Neri Parish, Milwaukee. On July 1, 1982, he was appointed team member at St. Leo Parish, Milwaukee, and was appointed temporary administrator for Cristo Rey Parish in Racine On September 13, 1986. Father began a study leave in the Dominican Republic on February 1, 1987, and on May 1, 1987, was assigned for pastoral service to the Diocese of San Juan de la Maguana, serving at LaSagrada Familia Parish, in Azua (the Archdiocese of Milwaukee's sister parish in the Dominican Republic). On September 1, 1993, he was released from his assignment at LaSagrada Familia and, for the next six years, served at other parishes in the Diocese of San Juan de la Maguana. Father returned to the Archdiocese of Milwaukee late in 1999 and was appointed associate pastor (pro tem) at St. Mark Parish, Kenosha, on December 15. He was appointed to his first pastorate on June 20, 2000, to serve at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Milwaukee; on September 19, 2000, he was appointed the pastor at St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Milwaukee, while remaining at Our Lady of Guadalupe. Father was appointed the pastor at St. Margaret Mary Parish, Milwaukee, on June 20, 2006, and pastor at St. Mark Parish, Kenosha, on June 19, 2012. He retired from active ministry on June 27, 2014 after serving a year at St. Katharine Drexel Parish, Beaver Dam, as associate pastor (appointed June 18, 2013).

A Mass of Christian Burial for Father Kobida will be celebrated at 11:00am on Saturday, July 19, 2014, at St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish, Milwaukee (8661 North 76th Place). Priest friends and former colleagues are invited to concelebrate; please bring an alb and white stole. Visitation will take place Saturday morning at the parish beginning at 9:00am and continuing until time for the funeral liturgy. Per his wishes, Father Kobida's cremated remains will be interred in the Diocese of San Juan de la Maguana in the Dominican Republic.

Members of the Purgatorial Society will please offer the prescribed Mass for the repose of his soul and include Father Kobida's intention in the General Intercessions at the parish.

May he rest in peace.