Retired editor of Los Angeles archdiocesan newspaper dies at age 84

Published: 2006-10-10

LOS ANGELES (CNS) -- Al Antczak, who worked 42 years at The Tidings, Los Angeles archdiocesan newspaper, died of complications from pneumonia Oct. 6 at Scripps Mercy Hospital in San Diego. He was 84. His funeral was to be celebrated Oct. 11 at San Gabriel Mission in San Gabriel, followed by burial in the mission cemetery. Antczak started as a reporter and photographer at The Tidings in 1947 and was editor of the paper from 1973 until his retirement in 1989. "Al Antczak set the highest of standards," said Mike Nelson, the paper's current editor. "His style, in person and in print, was simple and direct, humble and graceful, done with love and enthusiasm for the church and craft he served so well for so long." "Al Antczak was an editor of unequalled integrity and professionalism," said Los Angeles Cardinal Roger M. Mahony. "He saw the world about us through the particular lenses of Jesus Christ and the church. His editorials were always thoughtful, to the point and challenging for all of us."

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