Obituary of Father William J. Gordinier

The Reverend William J. Gordinier, a Diocese of Rochester priest for 58 years, died Thursday, May 12, 2016. He was 83 years old. A Rochester native, Father Gordinier grew up in the former Holy Rosary Parish, attending the parish school and later St. Andrew's and St. Bernard's seminaries, all in Rochester. He was ordained May 31, 1958, at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart by Bishop James E. Kearney. Father Gordinier served as assisting priest at St. Margaret Mary Parish in Irondequoit (1958-1965), Sacred Heart Cathedral (1965-1968), St. Mary Parish in Waterloo (1968-1970) and Guardian Angels in Henrietta (1970-72). He was appointed co-pastor of St. Joseph in Penfield (1972-1976) and then served as pastor of St. Patrick, Cato; St. Thomas, Red Creek; and St. Jude, Fair Haven (1976-1982). He was pastor of St. Mary's Church in Geneseo (1982-2001) and temporary parochial administrator at St. Agnes Church in Avon in 1990. During his many years of ministry, Father Gordinier also served at various times on the diocesan Tribunal, as regional coordinator for Livingston County, as a member of the diocesan Presbyteral Council and as diocesan director of the Junior Legion of Mary. He reached senior status in 2001. He was predeceased by his sister, Catherine Wacenske. He is survived by his sister, Virginia (Alex) Johnson of Rochester, brother in law, James Wacenske of Wildwood, FL, several nephews and great nieces and nephews. On Tuesday, May 17, 2016, Father Gordinier will lie in state at the Sisters of St. Joseph Motherhouse, 150 French Road, Pittsford, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. On Wednesday, May 18, 2016 he will lie in state at the Sisters of St. Joseph Motherhouse from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial with The Most Reverend Salvatore R. Matano, Bishop of Rochester, presiding. Burial will occur on Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 2 p.m. at St. Mary's Cemetery in Geneseo. Memorials may be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph Motherhouse, 150 French Rd., Rochester, NY 14618.