MovieChat Forums > Once Around (1991) Discussion > Rev. William L. Wolkovich

Rev. William L. Wolkovich

posted 19 years ago by elvisplives
8 replies | jump to latest

Rev. William L. Wolkovich, 75, died Wednesday morning (January 12, 2005) at the Marlborough Hospital after a long illness. He was born in Hudson, Massachusetts, the son of the late Ludvik and Helen (Zukauskas) Wolkovich. He was a graduate of St. Michael's Grammar School Class of 1942 and Hudson High School Class of 1946. He attended St. John Seminary in Brighton and was ordained on Sept. 29, 1953 at the Holy Cross Cathedral in Boston. In his many years as a priest he served parishes in Lynn, Brockton, Needham, Marlborough, Ayer, West Groton and Norwood. His last assignment was in Norwood at St. George's Lithuanian Parish.

He had a love of music and a passion for Catholic history. He gave over 300 one-man performances of comedy, voice and violin. He was a member of the Cambridge Civic Symphony and appeared with world renowned cellist Rostropovich. Father Wolkovich was part of a chamber trio with Izidorius and Vytenis Vasyliunas.

His novel experience was baptizing an infant in Lithuania in 1991 for the Hollywood movie "Once Around". He specialized in immigration and ethnicity, writing over fifty articles, thirty book reviews and a three volume compendium titled Lithuanian Religious Life in America. In 1997, he was awarded the Order of Gediminas by the Republic of Lithuania for his lifelong contributions in history and music.

He touched many lives and will be missed.

[–] katiewon 18 years ago

"Once around for the big guy!"

Joe Bella

[–] BlueGreen 18 years ago

Hear hear! :-)

[–] dathaler 17 years ago

small typo I think.
"His novel experience was baptizing an infant in Lithuania in 1991 for the Hollywood movie 'Once Around.'"

I think the copy should have read "...baptizing an infant in Lithuanian." I'm not sure the cast traveled to Lithuania (does it even exist anymore?) for authenticity.

[–] julie_march83 16 years ago

Father Bill was a great man. My Aunt Jean was his housekeeper for many years at St. George's parish. He was such a smart man too. My Aunt and Father Bill would play scrabble often. We all went to the premiere with him and Jean in Boston when the movie was released. We loved it because so many parts were filmed right here in MA (West Medford, Cambridge and Boston). He also sung at my wedding. I wish he didn't get ill. He was so full of life ! Aside, I really enjoyed this movie. Some of the Boston accents were hard to listen to but they tried.....

[–] mizmomcd 14 years ago

Father Bill married my parents in 1953. His first wedding my mother tells me. He reaffirmed their vows on their 25th anniversary. Hw\e cwould come over the house to dinner and bring his violin. He was so vibrant and funny and larger then life.

[–] arobicpro 13 years ago

Wow, thanks so much for sharing this.

And I concur, "Once around for the big guy!"

[–] hoz49 12 years ago

A little late, but I am watching this as I post. The Rev is singing, the baby is crying and Dreyfus just collasped.

[–] intofilm 11 years ago

I liked the way he was so flexible and positive through all the switches going on during the baptism. Many priests would have got disgusted and let them know it. He kept it all in a loving perspective.