Bishop John M. Smith was principal celebrant of a Mass of Christian Burial Dec. 15 in St. Hedwig Church, Trenton, for Msgr. Arthur A. Demski, pastor emeritus of St. Josaphat Parish, Bayside, N.Y., who died Dec. 10 in Capital Health at Fuld. He was 82.

Msgr. Demski sustained head injuries when he suffered a stroke and collapsed while celebrating the daily 8 a.m. Mass in St. Hedwig Church Chapel.

Msgr. Demski was born, raised and educated in Trenton. He graduated from St. Hedwig School in 1941 and attended Trenton Catholic Boys High School before transferring in his senior year to Sts. Cyril and Methodius Seminary, Orchard Lake, Mich., where he studied for the priesthood. He was ordained a priest in June, 1953, by Bishop George W. Ahr in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton.

Msgr. Demski was assigned to the Diocese of Brooklyn, where he served in Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish and Our Lady of Consolation Parish in Brooklyn, and as pastor of St. Josaphat Parish.

In retirement, Msgr. Demski returned to Trenton in 1994 and assisted with Masses in the area’s two Polish parishes – St. Hedwig and Holy Cross (now Divine Mercy).

Msgr. Demski was the son of the late Bernard and Helen Kopczynska Demski and brother of the late Edward, Raymond and Joseph Demski. He is survived by a sister, Helen Szwedo of Lawrenceville; a brother, P. Stan Demski of Hamilton Square; three nephews, Raymond Jr., Edward and Dorian; three nieces, Debra, Melanie and Bernadette; one grandnephew, Max, and two grandnieces, Samantha and Emily.

Burial was in the Priest Circle at St. Hedwig Cemetery, Ewing Township.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Hedwig Church, 872 Brunswick Ave., Trenton, N.J. 08638.