Queens Street Co-Named After Msgr. John C. Tosi, The ‘Larger Than Life’ Pastor of St. Luke’s Church

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Currents News Staff

Cheers as Clintonville street in Whitestone, Queens is co-named Monsignor John C. Tosi Way.

“As pastor, I know at the very bottom of his heart, Monsignor John Tosi’s way was the way of Jesus,” said Father John Costello.

Father John Costello took over as pastor at St. Luke’s Church after Monsignor Tosi passed away last May.

Last Friday, May 21, parishioners gathered to honor the late priest.

“We are at the legendary St. Luke’s for a man who was just as powerful and wonderful as this parish,” said Councilmember Paul Vallone.

Vallone helped to get the street in front of St. Luke’s named after Monsignor Tosi, whom he remembers fondly.

“Larger than life, Monsignor Tosi was larger than life in all ways: physically, passionately, mentally,” said Vallone. “He was there for all of us. He had a say in everything that happened here and he loved St. Luke’s.”

Monsignor Tosi was a lifelong Queens resident and a priest for over 45 years. The last 25 of his priest assignment was spent at St. Luke’s, leading this church community.

“To symbolize him today on a beautiful day with spring birthing and coming to the end of this deadly pandemic, it’s a beautiful way to celebrate spring and his legacy,” Vallone said.

Monsignor Tosi re-built St. Luke’s church and made many renovations to the Queens parish.