Gilda V. Fulgenzi, a long-time and devoted servant of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, died on Dec. 3, at St. Joseph’s Home in Springfield. She was 91 years old.
She was born June 14, 1925 in Springfield to Anthony and Anna (Cardinal) Fulgenzi, and they preceded her in death.
Fulgenzi was a graduate of Lanphier High School. After graduation, she went to work in the office of Federated Funeral Directors. From there she moved on to become parish secretary at St. Aloysius Parish in Springfield, a post she held for 20 years. After this, she was employed as secretary for the Catholic Diocese of Springfield, working at the diocesan seminary for 14 years. In 1981, Fulgenzi, who was known for her true pastoral spirit, began to work in the Chancery Office as secretary for the late bishops Joseph McNicholas and Daniel Ryan and then-Father (now Msgr.) John Renken.
In June 1989 Fulgenzi was named the first lay chancellor for the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. As chancellor she was the diocesan archivist, keeping parish records and providing information on genealogy. She also served as chief diocesan notary. She retired from the diocese March 31, 1991. At the time of her retirement she stated, “I worked for a lot of different people, but uppermost I was doing the work for God.”
Fulgenzi volunteered for the Propagation of the Faith Office. She was a member of the St. Louise de Marillac Guild, an active Auxiliary Legion of Mary for 33 years, and also volunteered at University of Illinois at Springfield as an usher and volunteered at the Marian Center. For several years she acted as a courier for Catholic Times.
Besides her parents, she was also preceded in death by her two sisters: Lydia J. Antonacci and Eleanor Shrier, and two brothers: Geno Fulgenzi and Roland Fulgenzi.
She is survived by several nieces and nephews.
A visitation and Funeral Mass was held on Dec. 7 at St. Aloysius Church, with Father Clint Honkomp, OP, as main celebrant. Burial followed at Calvary Cemetery.
Staab Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.