Rev. Nicholas R. Waseline

Rev. Nicholas R. Waseline, OSFS, 67, a priest with the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales who was serving as pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Church in Wilmington, DE, died Wednesday, April 18, at St. Francis Hospital.

“We Oblates are deeply saddened by the loss of Fr. Nick,” Rev. James J. Greenfield, OSFS, provincial, said. “He was a man of quiet strength who served generously wherever he was missioned. His love of the Gospel and his belief in its power to change hearts were sources of inspiration. He had deep confidence and faith in the ability of people to work together to achieve greatness for others, especially those in need.”

Fr. Nick Waseline entered the seminary of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales in 1969 after he graduated from Marian Catholic High School near his home in Mahanoy City, PA. He completed his undergraduate degree at then-Allentown College of St. Francis de Sales, now DeSales University, and graduate degrees in theology and education from DeSales School of Theology and Villanova University, respectively. He was ordained a priest in Philadelphia, PA, by Auxiliary Bishop Martin Lohmuller in 1980.

Prior to his ministry at St. Anthony of Padua Church, Fr. Waseline served as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal at various Catholic high schools, including Philadelphia’s Father Judge High School and Northeast Catholic High School, both of which he led. He also served as the novice and formation director for the Oblates’ seminary program. Fr. Waseline worked as a parochial vicar at St. Joachim Church in Philadelphia, PA, and Holy Redeemer by the Sea in Kitty Hawk, NC.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Wilmington, DE, on Wednesday, April 25, at 7 PM, preceded by a viewing at 2 PM. Burial at the Oblate cemetery in Childs, MD, will be on Thursday, April 26, at 10 AM.

In addition to his confreres in the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, Fr. Waseline is survived by several loving cousins.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Fr. Nick Waseline are requested to the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, 2200 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington, DE, 19806.

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