Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website

St. John’s University is mourning the death of Rev. Stephen Charles Bicsko, C.M., a Vincentian priest who served the university community for over three decades. Fr. Bicsko died peacefully on October 23. He was ordained in 1970 at Mary Immaculate Seminary in Northampton, Pennsylvania.

Known as “Bisk” on the Queens campus, Fr. Bicsko spent 33 years of his 55-year vocation at St. John’s, where he became an influential figure among students and staff from 1983 to 2016. His commitment to serving others, particularly those facing hardship, left a lasting impact.

Brian Browne, Associate Vice President of University Communications and Public Affairs, reflected on Fr. Bicsko’s influence: “The branches of the Fr. Bicsko family tree grew in different directions but are all rooted in his humble Vincentian example to see the joy in serving others,” said Browne. “Countless St. John’s alumni professional careers and personal lives were guided and influenced by his unique ability to make giving back and giving to others a meaningful cause.”

Fr. Bicsko played a significant role as mentor and adviser to C.A.U.S.E., a student-led volunteer organization focused on supporting disadvantaged residents of New York City and introducing less fortunate children to college life. The group later became part of the Office of Academic Service-Learning.

Arthur Gianelli, now President and Chief Transformation Officer at One Brooklyn Health, recounted his experience with Fr. Bicsko during a commencement address: “During my sophomore year, I was approached by Fr. Bicsko and asked to consider running a student organization called C.A.U.S.E... It was an organization in need of renewed leadership.

Fr. Bicsko was the ‘cool priest’ on campus. He was acutely sensitized to issues of poverty and race, and he was just rebellious enough to make the work of leading a student organization seem like a great adventure.

Still, I didn’t say yes right away... We rousted C.A.U.S.E. from its near moribund status and positioned it as the leading student organization on campus.

So, the most important lesson I was taught at St. John’s didn’t occur in a classroom... It came from actual experience, from the Vincentian connection of learning to the provision of service to those less fortunate.”

Throughout his ministry at St. John’s University and beyond, Fr. Bicsko supported causes such as women’s leadership roles, peace initiatives, racial equality advocacy, ecumenical dialogue efforts, and direct service for marginalized groups.

Jackie Lochrie, Vice President for Student Affairs at St. John’s University recalled: “I remember Fr. Bicsko from my very first years in Student Affairs... He always had a kind word and kept even the most chaotic scenarios comprehensible... Many legacies at the Queens campus continue because of his ever-caring spirit and Vincentian charism.”

Colleagues noted that Fr. Bicsko often provided comfort through pastoral care while also mentoring students with encouragement toward innovation within Catholic principles.

Lucy A. Pesce, Executive Director for Mission Initiatives shared: “When I was a new professional just starting at St. John’s, Fr. Bicsko’s office was next door to mine... He not only helped me to understand what it meant to work at a Catholic and Vincentian university but also showed me how to do it with genuine care, compassion, and a healthy dose of humor.”

Fr. Bicsko retired as Chaplain at the School of Law in 2016 due to health issues but continued living among fellow Vincentians until his passing.

His funeral services will be held at St. Vincent’s Seminary in Philadelphia with interment following Mass at Princeton Abbey & Cemetery in New Jersey; memorials are planned both locally in Philadelphia and on November 6 during Bereavement Mass at St Thomas More Church on campus.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made directly to St Catherine's Infirmary in Philadelphia.