In Memoriam

March 29, 2022
Canisius University

Canisius University is mourning the loss of three retired faculty members. 

Rev. Michael R. Pastizzo, SJ, adjunct professor of religious studies and theology, passed away on December 16 at the Sacred Heart Jesuit Center in Los Gatos, CA.  He was 87. 

Father Pastizzo arrived at Canisius in 1996 and taught theology, Christian art, Christian faith through art, and theology and film.  His scholarship focused on the legacy of American painter William G. Congdon, whose works became renowned for their persistent spiritual elements.  

Emeritus Professor of Chemistry Rev. Paul J. McCarthy, SJ, died on January 18 at Murray-Weigel Hall on the campus of Fordham University.  He was 97. 

Father McCarthy came to Canisius in 1960, and remained at the college for his entire teaching career  Throughout his tenure, Father McCarthy maintained an active interest in spectroscopy research and co-authored nearly 50 articles on the subject in various chemical journals.  In 1977, Father McCarthy’s students and alumni recognized him with the Kenneth L. Koessler Distinguished Faculty Award.

Paul A. Young MS ’64, EdD, emeritus professor of education, passed away on January 22, at the age of 87. 

Young taught 40 years at the college and served several terms as chair of the Education Department.  He is the author of Niagara Falls: Survivor of the Ice Age, which examines the natural history of the Niagara River and its gorge.  Young was also a recipient of the Kenneth L. Koessler Distinguished Faculty Award.