Fr. Gordon Polenz

Fr. Gordon Polenz 81, formerly of Schenectady and Sidney, NY passed to a new life on March 4, 2023, at his home in Haines City, FL.

Gordon was born son of the late Chester and Edith (Gordon) Polenz in Schenectady on October 4, 1941.

He was a graduate of St. Joseph’s Academy in Schenectady. He attended Mater Christi Seminary, St. Mary’s Baltimore, St. Bernard’s Rochester and North American College, Rome.

Gordon was ordained on July 31, 1982, at St. Adalbert’s Schenectady by Bishop Howard Hubbard.

Fr. Gordon was assigned as Parochial Vicar of St. Teresa of Avila, Albany in 1982 and then to St. Helen’s Schenectady in 1984. He assumed the Pastorate of Sacred Heart Parish in Sidney in 1986 where he served until he retired in 2015.

He served as Dean of Otsego and Delaware counties from 2011 until the time of his retirement.

During his 29 years as Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Sidney he was an active member of the Rotary Club of Sidney and was a Paul Harris Fellow. Fr. Gordon was also honored as Parishioner of the Years and the Sidney Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Years.

Since his retirement, Fr. Gordon has served as a weekend associate at the Church of St. Joseph in Winter Haven, Fl.

He is survived by his Brother, James (Adrienne) Polenz, Schenectady; Sister, Marsha (Rick) McFeeters, Warwick, RI; Niece- Jena (Jay) Polenz Martin, Niece- Stacy Wells, Nephews – Chad Polenz, John Polenz and Tyler McFeeters, Great Nieces and nephews, Melody and Macey Wells, Logan and Luke Martin and Taryn McFeeters.

He was also predeceased by his sister, Victoria and nephew, Edward.

Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated March 21, 2023, at 6:00 PM at St. Joseph’s Church 532 Ave. M NW Winter Haven, Fl.