Rev. Robert J. Kanka

REV. ROBERT J. KANKA

ROCHESTER/HORNELL-Rev. Robert J. Kanka, 87, of Rochester, formerly of Our Lady of the Valley Parish in Hornell, died Wednesday afternoon (Oct. 19, 2011) at St. Ann’s Home in Rochester, after a brief illness.
Born in Rochester on Nov. 29, 1923, he was the son of the late Robert and Mary Reagan Kanka and was a former resident of Geneseo, where he grew up in St. Mary’s Parish. Fr. Kanka graduated from Geneseo High School, class of 1941 where he was a member of the basketball and football teams. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Rochester where he participated in soccer.
From 1942 to his honorable discharge in 1946 as a Master Sergeant, he proudly served his country with the U.S. Army with the 25th Medical Depot Company.
Fr. Kanka received his seminary training at St. Andrew’s and St. Bernard’s seminaries in Rochester and was ordained on June 9, 1956 by Bishop James E. Kearney at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Rochester.
Besides becoming an associate editor of the Courier-Journal (formerly the Catholic Courier) in 1965 he also served at 11 different parishes throughout the Diocese of Rochester including St. Patrick’s Church in Mt. Morris where he served as pastor from 1972 to 1974. In 1980 he became pastor of St. James the Apostle Church in Trumansburg and remained there until retiring in 1994. After retiring he resided at Our Lady of the Valley Parish in Hornell where he maintained an active ministry to the parishoneers before moving to Rochester 16 months ago.
His family includes his sister, Kathryn “Kay” Kanka of Rochester; also his cousins,
Kathleen (Soren) Thomas, Gertrude Houston, Eleanor Houston and Emmett Houston.
Besides his parents, he was also predeceased by his aunt, Elizabeth “Bess” Wadsworth.
Fr. Kanka will lie in state from 3-7 p.m. Friday at St. Ann’s Church, 31 Erie Ave., Hornell followed by an evening prayer service at 7 p.m. He will also lie in state at St. Ann’s Church from 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday followed by his Funeral Liturgy at 10:30 a.m. celebrated by the Most Rev. Matthew H. Clark, Bishop of Rochester. Committal prayers and interment, with military honors, will follow at St. James the Apostle Parish Cemetery in Trumansburg.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to the Madonna House, 2887 Dafoe Road, Comberemere, Ontario KOJ1L0, Canada. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at St. Ann’s Church.
Arrangements are with the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc., 285 Main St., Hornell.