Msgr. Richard L. Tofani, pastor of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Hainesport, who once referred to himself as the “luckiest priest in the diocese,” died while on vacation during the week of Aug. 21-29, at the age of 61. Well known for his love of the poor and dedicated work as diocesan director of missions. Msgr. Tofani served all of his 34 years as a priest in the Diocese of Trenton.

Born in 1951 in Oak Park, Ill. one of three sons to Leo and Irma Tofani, now deceased, Msgr. Tofani moved with his family to New Jersey and joined St. Peter Parish, Riverside, which is now part of Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish, Riverside. He attended St. Peter School, Riverside, and Holy Cross High School, Delran.

Msgr. Tofani attended St. Joseph University, Philadelphia, from 1969 to 1973, where he earned a degree in accounting. Following his college graduation, he took a job with Ford Motor Company as a district sales analyst. While still at Ford, Msgr. Tofani heard and answered a call to the priesthood, and began studies in Mount St. Mary Seminary, Emmitsburg, Md., where he was awarded a master of divinity degree in theology and a master’s degree in sacred Scripture.

Msgr. Tofani served in Holy Name Parish, Delran, during his transitional diaconate year, and was ordained a priest May 19, 1979, by Bishop George W. Ahr in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton.

Following his ordination, Msgr. Tofani returned to Holy Name Parish as parochial vicar, followed by assignments in Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Mercerville, and St. Michael Parish, Trenton.

In 1986, Msgr. Tofani was appointed as diocesan director of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith and Holy Childhood Association, a position he continued to hold as diocesan director of missions, until his death.

In 1994, Msgr. Tofani was named to his first pastorate in Blessed Sacrament Parish, Trenton, where he remained for eight years before being named administrator in Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Hainesport. He was appointed pastor there in December, 2005.

Msgr. Tofani was named Prelate of Honor of His Holiness in 1997, and episcopal vicar for Burlington County in 2006 and 2010.

In 2011, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., appointed Msgr. Tofani as a member of the newly formed Episcopal Council for Clergy Personnel.

Most recently, Msgr. Tofani was recognized during the 2013 Catholic Media Conference for his writing on mission work to the West African country of Benin, which was published in The Monitor.

Throughout his life, Msgr. Tofani was an avid cyclist who regularly participated in the 500-mile Anchor House Ride for Runaways, making his 21st ride this year and saying that he was happy to participate “in anything to help do our part to prevent what I think is one of the greatest evils in our culture – child abuse and the neglect of children.”  

Funeral arrangements are pending and will be announced as soon as they are finalized.