Beloved Passionist Father Terry Kristofak, C.P., Remembered
WEST HARTFORD — Father Terence “Terry” Kristofak, C.P., a beloved Passionist priest at Holy Family Monastery in West Hartford, died unexpectedly on July 1, 2026, as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He was 85.
For many Catholics in the Diocese of Norwich, Father Terry’s death will be deeply personal. Over the years, countless parishioners from eastern Connecticut attended retreats, parish missions, days of reflection and spiritual programs at Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center in West Hartford, where Father Terry offered preaching, spiritual direction, pastoral care and a welcoming presence.
Born on February 7, 1941, in Hartford, Father Terry grew up in Farmington and entered the Passionist Seminary in Dunkirk, New York, in 1959. He professed vows as a Passionist on August 15, 1962, taking the religious name Cormack of Our Lady of the Cross, and was ordained to the priesthood on May 30, 1969.
Throughout his years of ministry, Father Terry served as a chaplain at Saint Agnes Hospital in Baltimore, taught religion at LaSalle College Prep in Philadelphia, served as Formation Director for Passionist aspirants, Vocation Director for the Passionists in Riverdale, New York, Pastor of Saint Ann’s Monastery Basilica Parish in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Director at Holy Family Retreat Center, and Provincial Superior of the Passionists.
In retirement, Father Terry continued to serve with extraordinary energy and compassion. He studied sign language at the American School for the Deaf and ministered with the deaf community at Saint Bridget Parish in Manchester. He also organized monthly outreach to serve meals at ImmaCare Shelter in Hartford and faithfully ministered to the sick, homebound and those in hospice care.
Father David Cinquegrani, C.P., Retreat Director at Holy Family, wrote in his announcement, “We are filled with grief at the loss of such a kind, loving, and faithful friend. His presence touched the lives of so many, and his passing is a tremendous loss to our community.”
Father Terry was returning to the retreat center after visiting a family when the accident occurred in West Hartford.
Funeral Arrangements
To accommodate the community and guests, services will be held at Saint Mary’s Church, 626 Willard Avenue, Newington, CT. The services will be livestreamed.
- Visiting Hours: Monday, July 13, 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Wake Service: Monday, July 13, 6:00 p.m.
- Mass of Christian Burial: Tuesday, July 14, 11:00 a.m.
Burial will be in Holy Family Cemetery, followed by a reception at the Hursey Pavilion on the grounds of Holy Family.
Please keep Father Terry’s family, friends, the Passionist Community and all who mourn his passing in your prayers.
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