Family speaks of accused priest’s support, friendship

TOWN HILL (PA)
Times Leader

August 23, 2018

By Bill O’Boyle

For one area family, allegations of abuses committed by the Rev. Thomas D. Skotek stand at odds with memories of a priest who provided support and comfort during their toughest days.

In 1999, Leon and Susan Zimolzak of Town Hill, near Shickshinny, lost their son, Seth, to cancer after a five-year battle.

Skotek had been at St. Mary and Ascension in Mocanaqua from June 1999 to April 2002, where the Zimolzaks remain parishioners today.

They said Skotek got them through the loss of their son.

“If it weren’t for (Skotek) we would probably have left the church,” Leon said. “He was there for us during a very dark time in our life.”

Leon said he and Susan and their daughter, Erica Zimolzak Coe, still keep in touch with Skotek.

“We still consider him a friend,” Leon said.

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