ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA

Reverend John P. Gutekunst, Parochial Vicar, Saint Christopher Parish, Philadelphia, died of Cardio-respiratory arrest at Saint Christopher Parish, on December 24, 2007.

Father Gutekunst was born on June 16, 1954, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is the son of the late Walter G. and Margaret E. Vargo. Father Gutekunst attended Saint Cecilia Elementary School, Philadelphia; and La Salle College High School, Philadelphia; before entering Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary.

Father Gutekunst was ordained on May 17, 1980 at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia, by His Eminence John Cardinal Krol. Father Gutekunst served as Parochial Vicar, Saint Isidore Parish, Quakertown; and as a Resident at Annunciation B.V.M. Parish, Philadelphia; and Saint Thomas Aquinas Parish, Philadelphia. Father Gutekunst also served as Chaplain, Saint Agnes Medical Center, Philadelphia. He was appointed Parochial Vicar, Saint Christopher Parish, Philadelphia, in June 2000.

The service of the Transfer of the Body will be held at Saint Christopher Church, Philadelphia, on Thursday, December 27, 2007, at 4:00 p.m., followed by a viewing and a Parish Mass at 7:00 p.m.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated by His Eminence Cardinal Justin Rigali at Saint Christopher Church, Philadelphia, on Friday, December 28, 2007, at 11:00 a.m. Concelebrating the Funeral Mass will be Reverend H. James Hutchins, Reverend Daniel E. Mackle, Reverend Anthony J. Cossavella, and Reverend Peter J. Welsh. Father Welsh will be the homilist.

Father Gutekunst is survived by his mother, Margaret, and his brother, Walter Gutekunst, Harrisburg. Interment will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Philadelphia.



FUNERAL DIRECTOR: Malloy Funeral Home
215-464-2600

CONTACT: Bonnie Olinger
215-587-3747

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Assistant
215-587-3747