Deacon Siarkowski, served at Shrine of the Little Flower, dies

 

Deacon Henry L. Siarkowski, a retired deacon who served at Shrine of the Little Flower in Baltimore from 1996 to 2013, died May 24 from a blood infection.

Deacon Siarkowski, 82, is survived by his wife, Rita of 61 years, four children, two grandchildren, seven step-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren. A daughter precedes him in death.

A funeral Mass was offered May 29 at Shrine of the Little Flower.

“I was honored to have worked with him and preside at his funeral Mass,” said Father Michael J. Orchik, pastor of the Baltimore parish.

Deacon Siarkowski was ordained a permanent deacon for the Archdiocese of Baltimore in 1996.  

“He was a devoted man to the church,” Rita Siarkowski said.

Deacon Siarkowski had been a parishioner of Shrine of the Little Flower since the 1950s, Father Orchik said. He was active with the pastoral council, liturgy committee, Knights of Columbus and Holy Name Society. He was also involved in the Baltimore Archdiocesan Holy Name Union.

“Henry has always been a great servant to the church but what led him to become a deacon was primarily his ministry to the deaf,” Father Orchik said. “He epitomized what a deacon is supposed to be – persons of service. He was an ideal servant. No job was too big or too small. When you asked him to do something you could consider it done.”

Deacon Siarkowski was a family man who was very much liked, Father Orchik said.

“He preferred to work behind the scenes,” the priest said.

Growing up, Deacon Siarkowski attended the former parish school of Holy Rosary in Fells Point for grades 1-8, Father Orchik said. He worked as a plant manager at the former Crown Cork and Seal Company in Baltimore.

“He had a great knowledge of finance, management and accounting,” Father Orchik said. “He really accomplished a lot for himself.”

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the charity of your choice or Shrine of the Little Flower, 2854 Brendan Ave., Baltimore, MD 21213.

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