Our Lady of the Assumption Church Has Lost Beloved Former Pastor

Dr. Keith Smolinski, the music director at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, has announced the death of the beloved former pastor of the church, Monsignor Gene Gianelli. Dr. Smolinski expressed his thoughts in the email below sent to member of the OLOA adult choir on Wednesday.

Fr. Gene, as he preferred to be known, retired as of January 29, 2019, due to his health. He celebrated the 50th Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood on May 23, 2020.

Hello everyone,

I am writing to inform you of the passing of Father Gene. I don't often struggle with words but at this moment, I find it extremely difficult to find something appropriate to say for a man who has impacted our lives so much.

Nearly eighteen years ago, I had the honor of becoming music director at our church. As many of you know, I was 23 years old, and originally the idea was to help carry the choir through the Christmas season. At the time, I was nervous, unsure if I could handle the responsibility of leading such an accomplished group. Father Gene never had a doubt in his mind. He helped guide me through the process, and gave me spiritual guidance when I needed it, gave me motivation to do my absolute best, and always trusted my decisions. His ability to understand the balance of work life, family life, and spiritual life and his ability to foster the trust of his community was nothing short of amazing.

Father seemed to know each and every family in his parish, and knew how to make each and every one of them feel important, wanted, and supported. Father Gene thought community action truly demonstrated the love of God. He thought that just living and doing the normal everyday tasks of our lives but doing them extraordinarily well, while being compassionate to our brothers and sisters around us, was what our journey on earth was all about.

Each and every Sunday, his homily was clear and concise with a story or association that was meant to reach out and inspire all. He had interests in so many things including his fondness for baseball and the Red Sox, a passion for gourmet cooking, and a true appreciation for music and musical talent. He made you feel important and needed just at the right moment when life seemed overwhelming.

During my time at Assumption, Father Gene concelebrated my wedding alongside the archbishop and baptized both of my children. As some of you may know, Ezra's middle name of Gene was chosen because of the great positive impact Father Gene had on our family. Father Gene had an extreme fondness for anyone who gave their time to help the church and this was especially true for our choir. You were his pride and joy. Whenever we had a visiting priest or family attending our 9:30 mass, Father Gene glowed with pride as he touted the Our Lady of the Assumption Choir as the best in the diocese. He absolutely adored the children's choir as well and always thought they were the future of the church.

Father Gene definitely loved doing things his way. He would add his own personal touches to everything. During the mass, after the sign of peace he would recite a piece of psalm 116. I am not sure if this is exactly what he said, but hopefully it is close enough.

What return shall I make to the Lord,
For all that he has given to us?
I take the cup of salvation and call on God's Name
recounting his wondrous deeds
for He has been so good to us.

Father Gene believed this with all his heart and all his actions. His legacy will live on in each and every one of us. Father Gene would want us to keep on living as best as we can. Doing the ordinary things extraordinarily well, praying together, and most importantly singing together. When we get to the other side of this pandemic, and we will, I certainly hope that you will join me in singing together in honor of Father Gene who helped develop this community and choir so many years ago.

Father Gene will be missed and will always have a special place in my heart,

Keith

Dr. Smolinski added that with COVID, there are unfortunately many restrictions for funerals, but promised to share any information about services as soon as he can. The director of music has already talked with the current pastor, Father Christopher Ford, about a one year anniversary celebration with the choir hopefully next year where all of the members of the choir can all celebrate Father Gene as would have liked.