Beloved Hoboken Priest, Sisters Killed in Car Accident

Sources have confirmed the passing of Father Michael Guglielmelli and his sister Dolores, both of Hoboken, following a car accident on County Road 537 in Monmouth County Sunday night. UPDATE: Their sister Antoinette “Shirley” Gallina also succumbed to her injuries, and passed the following Friday.

Father Mike was the longtime Pastor at St. Francis Church, located at the corner of 3rd & Jefferson Streets—a block away from where the Guglielmelli family grew up here in Hoboken.

He was known as a charismatic and straightforward spiritual leader—a genuine character who evoked the true essence of the Hoboken community.

“Fr. Mike, the beloved former pastor, touched thousands of lives during his time in Hoboken,” says Matthew McGrath, Principal at Hoboken Catholic Academy.

Statement from St. Francis Church:

“It is with deep regret that the Church of St Francis of Assisi, Hoboken, announces the passing of our beloved former Pastor, Fr Michael Guglielmelli. Fr Michael served our parish and the city of Hoboken with love and compassion. He taught us the meaning of caring for those who are less fortunate and how to care for one another in the true spirit of St Francis. At this time, we ask for your prayers for Fr Michael and his family. For those who wish, the Church will be open until 9 p.m. this evening for anyone desiring to stop and offer a prayer.”

Tributes have begun to pour in via social media.

Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer:

Father Bob Meyer of Sts. Peter & Paul:

…and from countless grief-stricken parishioners, friends and neighbors—past and present.

Services have been announced by St. Francis Hoboken.