Priest found bound in Shelter Island remembered for life of service

<p>A final farewell was held in East Setauket Tuesday for a priest who died after being attacked during a home invasion on Shelter Island.</p>

News 12 Staff

Apr 24, 2018, 9:45 AM

Updated 2,193 days ago

Share:

A final farewell was held in East Setauket Tuesday for a priest who died after being attacked during a home invasion on Shelter Island.
The Rev. Paul Wancura, 87, led Caroline Church in East Setauket for 26 years. On Tuesday he was buried there – remembered as a great spiritual leader, a mentor and a friend.
“He was conversant on almost every subject. He was extremely bright and witty and he socialized with his parishioners,” said Michael Russell, a longtime parishioner.
Mourners talked about the remarkable life of Paul Wancura – a graduate of Columbia, a member of the military and someone who exercised his entire life.
Also on their minds was the horrific ending to his life. Police say he was beaten in his Shelter Island home on March 19 by an intruder, was tied up and left there for days.
He was airlifted to Stony Brook University Hospital, but died last week from a blood infection.
Suffolk police say they believe the Wancura was "targeted" by the man who broke into his home. No arrests have been made so far.
A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest. Police are asking anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.


More from News 12
1:53
Council Member Sanchez to introduce building inspection, integrity bills after Billingsley Terrace collapse

Council Member Sanchez to introduce building inspection, integrity bills after Billingsley Terrace collapse

1:56
Sunny, cool and breezy with temperatures in the upper-50s for NYC

Sunny, cool and breezy with temperatures in the upper-50s for NYC

2:02
Exclusive: Animal rescue group stepping in to help cats in danger of being mauled

Exclusive: Animal rescue group stepping in to help cats in danger of being mauled

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Baseball's oldest living major leaguer, former Yankee Art Schallock, is turning 100

Baseball's oldest living major leaguer, former Yankee Art Schallock, is turning 100

0:19
NYPD: Woman wanted for punching another woman, stealing her phone in Highbridge

NYPD: Woman wanted for punching another woman, stealing her phone in Highbridge

2:07
Council Member Feliz plans to tackle rising vacant storefronts in the Bronx

Council Member Feliz plans to tackle rising vacant storefronts in the Bronx

2:04
Multiplex Cinemas in Concourse Plaza set to close next month

Multiplex Cinemas in Concourse Plaza set to close next month

1:47
Libraries could see new changes following no reversal of $58.3 million budget cut

Libraries could see new changes following no reversal of $58.3 million budget cut

1:46
NYCHA resident says boiler issue causing safety and health concerns

NYCHA resident says boiler issue causing safety and health concerns

2:25
Parked car left in shambles; video shows car smash into it multiple times

Parked car left in shambles; video shows car smash into it multiple times

1:42
New community center focuses on supporting former male inmates on road to recovery

New community center focuses on supporting former male inmates on road to recovery

1:35
The Bronx Museum of Arts new exhibit showcases NYC artists from fellowship

The Bronx Museum of Arts new exhibit showcases NYC artists from fellowship

1:59
NYPD: Fordham shooting kills 34-year-old man, leaves another man critical

NYPD: Fordham shooting kills 34-year-old man, leaves another man critical

1:14
Police Athletic League hosts annual singing and dancing competition for kids

Police Athletic League hosts annual singing and dancing competition for kids

1:35
New Yankees murals at Bronx Terminal Market pays homage to Black baseball legends

New Yankees murals at Bronx Terminal Market pays homage to Black baseball legends

1:04
DOT adds $6 million to boost overnight and evening deliveries over peak hours

DOT adds $6 million to boost overnight and evening deliveries over peak hours

0:20
MTA service alerts system now includes bridges, tunnels

MTA service alerts system now includes bridges, tunnels

0:23
Police: 2 men wanted for robbing Gamestop store at knifepoint in East Tremont

Police: 2 men wanted for robbing Gamestop store at knifepoint in East Tremont

0:24
NYPD: Suspect at large in West Concourse stabbing that left victim in grave condition

NYPD: Suspect at large in West Concourse stabbing that left victim in grave condition