Monsignor Polizzi Obituary, Monsignor Polizzi Died At 92
Monsignor Polizzi Obituary, Death- The neighborhood is paying tribute to a Catholic clergyman who spent decades working to see the success of his neighborhoods, especially The Hill. So many people claim that Monsignor Sal Polizzi inspired them.
Some individuals simply have that effect. You hear them when they speak. Pride and fervor. Purpose. People claim that’s how Polizzi lived, and that as a result, they are now better people. You can’t visit The Hill without being affected by Polizzi. Alderman Joe Vollmer of Ward 5 remarked that “he is what turned it into the community that it is.” Polizzi urged the federal government to build an overpass when Interstate 44 was planned to be built in The Hill in order to prevent the community from becoming divided.
He was powerful and dominant, Vollmer said. Fire hydrants painted in the colors of the Italian flag remain a rather recognizable sight when you visit The Hill today. There is a backstory to that. It was his idea to exhibit the Italian pride and allow them to experience their pride by working for it, Vollmer said with a smile. “Due to some antics and capers done by some of the youth and when he found out about it, sort of a punishment was to put them to work and do a community project,” Vollmer added.
Prior to being moved to St. Roch Catholic Church to serve as Pastor, Polizzi had held the position of Associate Pastor at St. Ambrose Catholic Church. Father Jack Siefert remarked, “He was very, very influential in attempting to shape us, the younger priests, on how to be good priests. He remembers how the Monsignor had a “tell-it-like-it-is” demeanor. “Recently, we went out to supper one time… And I say, “Well, Monsignor, do you want me to wear my frocks, my clerics to dinner or do you want me to be dressed in casual, civilian attire?” He asked me on the phone, “Jack, are you a priest?,” and I replied, “Yes.” I agree, Monsignor. A priest, I am. “‘Then dress up. The Monsignor stated, “That is always a good statement to make to the community that we are here, available, approachable, and accessible.
Monday saw the passing of Polizzi at the Mother of Good Counsel Home. He was 92.”Even as he got older, he was still around. He will still be here even after he passes away. We will constantly be aware of that, Vollmer said. “On April 1, 1981, Polizzi landed at St. Roch. In second grade, I was. On April 4, 1981, my classmates and I received our First Holy Communion, a parishioner named Cristina Mcgroarty wrote to 5 on Your Side. “He and Monsignor Pete were both at the altar that day. We were St. Roch’s first mass for him. I have had all of my sacraments from him, with the exception of baptism and reconciliation, and I do not know another pastor.
I learned from Monsignor that family should always come first. He taught me about commitment and perseverance,” she remarked. He was a fierce lover. Joe Polizzi, Polizzi’s great-nephew, sent the following statement to 5 On Your Side on Wednesday: “Generations of the Polizzi family and countless other families have been baptized, married, and buried by my Uncle Sal. He put forth a lot of effort at St. Ambrose and St. Roch, and as a result, the parishes and the surrounding areas prospered. Sal was a wonderful cook, uncle, friend, and leader who will be dearly missed. For our family and the community of St. Louis, it truly marks the end of an era. On Monday, May 1, visitation will take place at St. Roch Church, 6052 Waterman Boulevard, from 4 to 7 p.m. On Tuesday, May 2, the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis, situated at 4431 Lindell Boulevard, will host a second visitation starting at 9 a.m., with the funeral mass beginning at 10 a.m. Missouri Senate Bill 127 has been amended to change the name of the Edwards Street Bridge across Interstate 44 at The Hill to Msgr. Sal Polizzi Bridge.