Father Robert F. Astorino, M.M.

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Father Robert F. Astorino, M.M., who served in Hong Kong for 47 years, died June 25 at Westchester County Medical Center in Valhalla. He was 77.

Father Astorino was in Hong Kong, 1984-2019 and 1971-1983, where he was influential in starting the Union of Catholic Asian News and served as executive director of the news agency known familiarly by its acronym, UCAN.

Father Astorino also served at Maryknoll, Ossining, 1983-1984, to help conduct a telecommunications/informatics study for Maryknoll.

Born in the Bronx, he entered the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers in 1961 and was ordained in 1970.

The graduate of Regis High School in Manhattan earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Maryknoll College, Glen Ellyn, Ill., and master’s degrees in theology from Mary-knoll; sociology from Fordham University; and journalism from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.

His brother, Louis, and his sister, Jeanette Fitch, survive him. Also surviving is Rob Astorino, the former county executive of Westchester County, who was a cousin.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated June 30 in Queen of Apostles Chapel at the Maryknoll Society Center, Ossining. Burial was in Maryknoll Society Cemetery, Ossining.

Father Robert F. Astorino, M.M.