Alexander -
Rev. Ivan R. Trujillo, 71 of Alexander, formerly of Batavia, went home to the Lord on Friday, (November 24, 2023) at his home in Alexander following a lengthy illness.
Rev. Trujillo was born December 12, 1951 in Oruro, Bolivia, a son of the late Ignacio and Angelica (Ibanez) Trujillo.
Fr. Ivan was a devoted and selfless priest who served as Pastor of Resurrection Parish in Batavia for 15 years. He graduated from Christ the King Seminary in East Aurora. Soon after he was assigned to a parish in Jamestown where he was ordained March 15, 1985. He also covered the Erie County Holding Center and Attica Prison. Rev. Trujillo was an Roman Catholic Chaplain at Erie County Holding Center for 17 years and worked one day a week at Attica Prison for 30 years as a Roman Catholic Chaplain. From there he was transferred to Nativity Parish in Buffalo and then to his final assignment at St. Mary's Church in Batavia. Rev. Trujillo was a dedicated priest serving at the New York State Veterans Home as a Catholic Chaplain since it opened and celebrated his last Mass here only three short weeks before his passing. He also served as a Roman Catholic Chaplain at both the VA Medical Center for 20 years and the Federal Detention Center in Batavia for several years.
Sr. Mary Jane Mitchell along with Rev. Trujillo established a Migrant Ministry Program which began in Genesee and Monroe counties. After many successful years the program was split and Rev. Trujillo continued working with the Genesee, Monroe and Niagara areas. He would dedicate one evening a week with other volunteers during the growing season to distribute food, clothes, boots and many other items to migrant workers and their families. Masses were also conducted throughout the program by Rev. Trujillo as well as his participation in quinceaneras, weddings and funerals. During Bishop Mansell's tenure the Diocese established a Hispanic Ministry Program and provided a Sister to help prepare Migrants for Reconciliation, Eucharist, & Confirmation. However a few years ago the Diocese removed the sister and no longer supported the program.
In Bolivia Rev. Trujillo has three soup kitchens which he established and are still in operation today as well as his instrumental role in helping orphanages, schools and the church in Oruro. St. Mary's in Batavia and St. Vincent's in Attica combined resources to build a parish center in Oruro Church which is a place for people to come get fresh water to take home, laundry tub to wash their clothes, soccer fields and rooms for religion classes.
Rev. Trujillo was a member of the Batavia Lions Club and Our Lady of Batavia Knights of Columbus Council #11728.
Rev. Trujillo had a great love for animals especially his faithful cat of 15 years, Mario.
He is survived by his adopted family; Deacon Henry and Elyn Moscicki, Erik Moscicki, Bryan (fiance, Jessica Bukowski), Marcia A Huber, Staci, Rob & Bobby James, David (fiance Dr. Sandra Licata) Huber, Joseph & Loretta Huber, Doug & Cheri Cook, Elliot Cook, Michael, Adrienne, William & Charlotte Fuore, and many friends.
Rev. Trujillo will lie in state on Thursday (November 30, 2023) from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and Friday (December 1, 2023) from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Resurrection Parish - St. Mary's Church, 18 Ellicott Street in Batavia, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday at 11:00 a.m. Most Rev. Michael William Fisher, Bishop of Buffalo will be Principal Celebrant. Interment will be private in Grandview Cemetery in Batavia. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Missions in Bolivia, c/o Marcia Huber.
Arrangements for Rev. Trujillo were entrusted to the care of H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home in Batavia. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.
