The Corpus Christi Parish is mourning the loss of its beloved pastor, Father Ken Winkler, who died Friday at the age of 47 after a battle with cancer.

Those members of the parish who knew Father Winkler will remember him as someone who was caring, compassionate and gentle. His involvement in the parish energized Corpus Christi. Parishioners think of themselves as a family and to them, Father Ken was a dear friend and brother.

"You could not find a more devout and more compassionate priest, friend and pastor," said Corpus Christi parishioner Marie Hehman. "He was gentle. He had concern and compassion for everybody, no matter who it was."

"He has brought so much warmth and respect for people into this parish," said Elizabeth Conlon. "He was the center of our parish. Everything revolved around him. There was so much togetherness, warmth and responsiveness that came from him that everyone just gravitated toward him."

During this year, the Corpus Christi Parish is celebrating its 100th Anniversary. It was through the leadership of Father Winkler that a committee was put together to see to it that the anniversary was celebrated with togetherness and love for the parish.

"He was the inspiration and the driving force behind the different celebrations, which will continue to occur through December," said Father Robert Batule of the Corpus Christi Parish.

Though he was not able to see all of the festivities planned to celebrate the anniversary, Father Ken was able to attend the opening Mass of the celebration and see the unveiling of the 100th anniversary quilt that was made, under the direction of Lois Basile, by many dedicated volunteers.

"He was really involved and wanted to make this 100th anniversary year such a success," said Mrs. Hehman, who served on the committee. "He was wonderful to work with."

Father Winkler came to Corpus Christi on February 27, 1995, at the age of 42. Since then, he became involved in the all aspects of the parish community. He developed a close knit bond with the parish's youth group as well as many members of the community.

Mrs. Conlon recalls that during Father Winkler's first Homily at Corpus Christi, he said he was glad to be in Mineola because there was a Friendly's Ice Cream. "That was sort of the essence of the man. He wasn't above everybody else. He was right there with us," she said.

Many parishioners forged a close relationship with Father Winkler. He was thought of as someone who was always available to talk to and someone who loved to be with people.

One parishioner who formed a close bond with Father Winkler was Mary Fitton, who will remember Father Ken as a warm person who was very involved with the church. Mrs. Fitton also recalled Father Winkler's sense of humor and his affinity for Disney World.

"He was right there with you when you needed him. Anybody who needed him, he was there for them," Mrs. Fitton said. "He brought a life to the parish because he was everywhere. He was ever present. I think that united the parish an awful lot."

In addition to his faith, Father Winkler also had a love for the theater and acting. He belonged to an acting group in Wantagh and knew practically every theater in New York.

Father Tom Murphy of Corpus Christi knew Father Winkler for almost 14 years. Although Father Winkler may have been short in stature, Father Murphy remembers him as someone who was "larger than life person."

Father Murphy, the chaplain at Winthrop-University Hospital, was impressed with the compassion Father Winkler, a young priest, showed for the sick and the elderly. While his care for the elderly may have been evident so was his friendship for the youth of the community.

"He had a big heart. He was always up. That was his most outstanding quality. He always found a silver lining in a dark cloud," said Father Murphy. "He always made people feel special. No matter what difficulty they were faced with, he gave you that positive reinforcement. That's one of the reason people were drawn to him."

John DaVanzo, a member of the Corpus Christi 100th Anniversary Committee, praised the character of Father Winkler, who wrote a letter in a recent church bulletin, saying goodbye to the members of the parish. "He was really loved by everyone when he came to the parish," Mr. DaVanzo said, also crediting Father Winkler with efforts to renovate the church. "Everybody chipped in and everyone made their contributions and he was able to complete the renovation."

Father Batule remembers Father Winkler as a devoted priest who was beloved by a great many people. Father Batule also remembers Father Winkler as a dedicated pastor and friend who was filled with terrific energy.

A former special education teacher, two of his chief interests as a priest was Catholic education and working with young people. He worked with the young people of the community, preparing them for the Sacrament, Father Batule recalled.

Village of Mineola John P. Colbert was saddened by the news. The mayor recalled how Father Winkler loved playing Santa Claus for the kids. "He was a priest who was loved by so many. The Mineola community owes him the respect he showed us all," Mayor Colbert said. "Father Winkler gave so much to the community, broadening the scope of Corpus Christi, especially the Corpus Christi School, which is so much a part of our community."

As members of the Corpus Christi Parish move forward in the year of their 100th anniversary, they will do so with memories of their friend and pastor. "I can't begin to say what a loss this is, both for the parish and all his friends and the community," Mrs. Hehman said.

Many of parishioners of Corpus Christi said they felt as though he was with them. As the Corpus Christi Parish continues to prosper, Father Kenneth Winkler is still with his friends, brother and sisters - alive, even now, in their hearts.

Father Ken would have been ordained a priest 20 years in May. He was the beloved brother of Maryanne Kidd and Martin Winkler and brother-in-law of John and Eileen. Father Winkler was also the loving uncle of Colleen, Katelynn, Shannon, Nicholas and Julia. In lieu of flowers, memorials to: Broadway Cares, the Corpus Christi School Development Fund or Cancer Care would be appreciated.