Deacon Matt Yellico
I was born and raised in Brentwood until I got married in 1986 to Francesca. We moved around for four years until we settled in Lake Grove in 1990 and became members of Saint Joseph Husband of Mary parish. I love the full name of our parish. It gives St. Joseph a title of loving service to his wife and family which fits perfectly to our mission statement and helps remind men of the dignity and honor of being a husband and father and the importance of family.
Francesca and I have six children, three girls: Iole, Madalina and Madonna and three boys: Jacob, Brandan and Evan (from heaven). I also had a foster child, Vida, who lived with us for 8 years. I was an FDNY fireman for 26 years retiring a few years ago. My whole family has been active in the parish serving in many ministries. After retiring from the FDNY I wanted to help more in the parish. Deacon Mike Devenney asked me if I had ever thought about being a deacon. I had never really thought about it and because I only had a high school diploma and the last time I had gone to school was 33 years ago, I was a little scared to walk in that direction. I started backpedaling, making up reasons to say no because I was doubting I had the ability and this wasn’t my idea about how I should get active in the parish. Deacon Mike gently asked me to pray about it. So I did. With prayer I realized God put me here and has blessed me in so many ways. He has carried me through every one of my hardships and difficulties and comforted me in my tears. How could I say no and do what I wanted instead?
In prayer I was told to face my fears and let go of my will but I still thought: “I’m not that smart. There’s a good chance it won’t work out. I could live with that.” OK Father, I’ll give it a shot. If You want me to be a deacon then you have to get me through it. You have to give me what I need. You have to carry me. And so He did! I was ordained a deacon May 22, 2021. It is my honor to be of service to you and I’m willing to help anyway I can. This has become one of my favorite sayings:
“The only knowledge necessary is that which makes us good rather than learned.”
I look forward to the adventures that lie ahead with you!