Archbishop Michael Vincent Seneco

Archbishop Michael V. Seneco passed away peacefully on the evening of July 9, 2026, at the age of 60. Born and raised in New Haven, CT—birthplace of apizza (ah-beets), a fact he never let anyone forget—Michael lived a full, multifaceted life dedicated to serving others and building community.

Michael began his mission of service as an EMT and volunteer firefighter in New Haven, and continued this vital work after moving to the Washington, D.C. area. He earned his certification as an instructor for the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute, proudly training the next generation of first responders. In his later years, he rarely visited a medical facility without running into former students who were thriving in their careers as EMTs, paramedics, and nurses.

In the mid-aughts, Michael answered a lifelong call to ministry that he could no longer ignore. He progressed through his studies, being elevated to the diaconate in 2004, ordained to the priesthood in 2005, and consecrated as a bishop in 2006. Soon after, he co-established the North American Old Catholic Church in 2007, serving as the organization's presiding bishop while simultaneously building parishes and ministries around the D.C.–Baltimore region.

Even while facing his own health struggles, Michael fought to support his coworkers, family, and friends, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community. Whether it was advice, mentorship, a room to stay, or cash for gas, he never hesitated to help. He performed marriages and funerals for all, often refusing stipends from families in need. His life was truly blessed by the multitude of people, communities, and causes he advocated.

Michael is survived by his spouse, Matthew; his mother, Terry; his father, Vincent; his brothers, Christopher, Nic, and Vincent Jr.; his nieces, Samantha and Jessica; and his chosen family, Christian, Samuel, Silas, and Austin.

Please join us in celebrating Michael's life on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Fort Lincoln Funeral Home, 3401 Bladensburg Rd, Brentwood, MD. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Michael's memory to support at-risk LGBTQ+ individuals at www.rainbowrailroad.org.

A funeral mass for Michael will be held the following day, Wednesday, July 29, at 10:00 a.m. at Silver Spring United Methodist Church, 8900 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD. Burial will follow at Congressional Cemetery, 1801 E St SE, Washington, D.C.