Fr. James Vacco, OFM, 70, passes away in Pulaski, Wisconsin

Fr. James Vacco, OFM, 70, passed away on Friday, Dec. 19, at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Friary in Pulaski, Wisconsin. A cherished teacher, compassionate pastor and dedicated counselor, he devoted 48 years to the Franciscan order and 43 years to the priesthood, leaving a lasting impression by meeting people of every generation with warmth and genuine connection wherever they happened to be.

Fr. James entered the Order of Friars Minor in Brookline, Massachusetts, on June 23, 1977, and made his first profession there the following year, on June 10, 1978. His initial role was providing summer assistance in Croghan, New York, in 1978. In 1979, while at St. Patrick's in Buffalo, New York, he spent a year training as a chaplain student at Erie City Medical (CPE). Afterwards, he began an internship as an alcohol rehabilitation counselor at St. Joseph Addiction Treatment and Recovery Center in Saranac Lake, New York. He took his solemn vows in New York City on June 20, 1981, and was ordained as a priest in Silver Spring, Maryland, on May 16, 1982, during which time he began his service in Croghan first as a deacon intern and then as an associate pastor. He described his time in his native New York as his first love.   

He later moved to Buffalo to join the faculty at Bishop Timon High School until 1985. The next seven years, he served as parochial vicar at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Buffalo, New York, and later spent three years as guardian and pastor at Our Lady Queen of Peace in West Milford, New Jersey. From 1995-2022, his ministry touched many lives across Western New York while serving the people of God in a variety of roles: chaplain at the Newman Center at SUNY Fredonia, campus minister and adjunct professor at St. Bonaventure University, and temporary administrator for St. Philomena Parish in Franklinville and St. John Parish in Olean. At St. Bonaventure Church (“Little Bonas”), where he served as pastor 2011-2022 in Allegany, his energy and dedication earned deep respect, while his leadership extended as regional vocation assistant and vicar forane of the Southern Cattaraugus Vicariate.  

Beyond titles and duties, Fr. James felt drawn to the road less traveled, forsaking busy highways for scenic back roads – one of the many reasons he loved the picturesque and enchanting routes of upstate New York to the rustic roads of Wisconsin. He was likely to print directions to take the long way for anyone traveling in a caravan with him. It was his way of opening eyes, especially for the postulants in his charge, to a unique view of God’s creation and communities often overlooked.    

In 2022, Fr. James assumed a significant role in the U.S. 6 interprovincial postulancy program at Holy Name College in Silver Spring. His influence will be felt for years to come, for fostering the religious lives of many men, both now within and outside the Order, who respected and admired him. He welcomed each postulant with open arms, nurturing an environment of acceptance and understanding during their earliest steps of formation. With a thoughtful blend of wisdom and warmth, Fr. James served as both a trusted mentor and a confidant. To many, he became a leader whose approachable nature made them feel at ease, especially as they navigated the joys and challenges of their spiritual journeys and shared in his deep love of God.   

In 2024, Fr. James opened a new chapter as pastor at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Pulaski. This return to rural life echoed the beginnings of his Franciscan journey in Croghan, bringing his vocation full circle. For Fr. James and those whose lives he touched in small communities, this transition felt natural and meaningful. He stood among the first friars to broaden his horizons beyond his legacy province, welcoming the call to a united, nationwide brotherhood. In this role, he thrived, infusing every moment with his signature enthusiasm and the welcoming spirit that defined his ministry. He trusted paper printouts over digital screens and blended his style with the needs of the parishes he served. In his colleagues, he had a keen eye for recognizing strengths and talents so he could help them flourish in their faith.   

Fr. James enjoyed photographing nature and found freedom with the Franciscans, as mentioned in a 2015 Daybreak TV Productions video.    

“Our common sense of fraternity is to live as a fraternity, working in the world, proclaiming the Gospel in the simple vision of Francis,” he said. “It’s a deep appreciation of the presence of God in all creation. I look at creation, my dealings with people – even my difficult dealings with people – and I say, ‘may I praise and bless you, oh Lord, and give you thanks, and serve you with great humility.    

“Sometimes we feel we must weigh things down with words. But before our words are believable, our presence must be authentic.”    

Fr. James is survived by his brother Vincent Vacco, and sister-in-law Louise Vacco, their children, family and friars of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe.