Nicholas Allen Youpa Jr.
Nicholas Allen Youpa Jr., 77, of Phillipsburg, NJ passed away on January 3, 2021 at his residence.
Born August 22, 1943, he was the son of the late Nicholas A. Youpa Sr. and Helen Ringo Youpa. He was also predeceased by his beloved brother and best friend, Peter B. Youpa, who passed in 2017.
He attended St. Philip & St. James Elementary School and was a graduate from Phillipsburg Parochial High School in 1961. After graduation Nicholas pursued his studies to become a Roman Catholic priest. He attended St. Charles College in Catonsville, Maryland from 1961 to 1963; St. Mary’s Seminary College in Roland Park, Maryland from 1963 to 1965 where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree. He finished his studies at St. Mary’s Seminary from 1965 to 1969 and was ordained to the Priesthood by Bishop George W. Ahr on May 31, 1969 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Trenton, NJ.
After ordination Father Nick, as he was affectionately known at the time, began his ministry as Associate Pastor in Holy Trinity Parish in Perth Amboy, NJ. He also served the Diocese of Trenton at St. James Parish and Red Bank Catholic High School, St. Helena’s Parish in Edison, NJ, St. James Parish in Pennington, NJ, and St. Ann’s Parish in Lawrenceville, NJ.
In 1979 he was named Pastor of St. Mary’s Parish in Perth Amboy, NJ by Bishop George W. Ahr.
In 1980, when the Diocese of Metuchen was established, he remained as pastor of St. Mary’s and was also appointed to the Diocesan Board of Consultors by Bishop Theodore McCarrick. He was also elected to the Priest Senate. At the same time he was also administrator of Our Lady of Hungary Parish in Perth Amboy.
In 1984 Father Nick took a leave of absence from the priesthood because of health reasons.
Father Nick never returned to the active priesthood, but instead continued his ministry at Raritan Bay Medical Center in Perth Amboy, NJ as a drug and alcohol treatment counselor. He continued his studies and received his Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Councilor certification by the State of New Jersey.
Nick worked for Raritan Bay Medical Center for the next 25 years. He, along with his good friend Dennis Mannsman, initiated the school outreach program where drug programs and prevention programs were given in the schools.
He continued to work closely with the Diocese of Metuchen and administered programs for at risk youth at Our Lady of Peace School in Fords, NJ, St. John Vianney School in Colonia, NJ, Our Lady of Fatima School in Piscataway, NJ, St. Stanislaus Kostka School in Sayreville, NJ and at St. Joseph High School in Metuchen, NJ.
Nick retired from Raritan Bay Medical Center in 2009 but continued to work for a time at St. Joseph High School where he was the Student Assistance Counselor for 30 years.
Nick would like to share something with all of you who have meant so much to him: “I want to say something to all of you who have become a part of the fabric of my life: our things, our accomplishments don’t really matter a great deal, but the clarity and care with which we have loved others will speak with vitality of the great gift of life we have been to each other. The greatest gift we can share with each other is the gift of our time. Thank you for sharing your life with me and allowing me to share my life with you.”
Nick is survived by his two nephews: Peter B. Youpa Jr., and Ryan Youpa, both of Easton, PA, and by the blessedly long list of friends, associates and parishioners who came to know and love “Father Nick” during his many years of life.
A Memorial Mass will take place on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at St. Mary Catholic Church, 830 5th Avenue in Alpha, NJ at 12 noon followed by the entombment of ashes at the Holy Apostles Mausoleum in Greenwich Township, NJ. Because of the potential danger associated with indoor gatherings during the current viral pandemic, Nick asked that we not put his beloved family and friends at risk by holding a gathering after his funeral. An outdoor gathering for remembrance of Nick will be held in the spring when weather allows.
In lieu of flowers donations in Nick’s memory may be made to your local food pantry or homeless shelter. The Finegan Funeral Home in Phillipsburg is handling arrangements. Visit www.fineganfh.com.