Fr. Chester J. Gawronski

Ordained: 1976
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

In 2002, a man said Gawronski molested him in the late 1970s when he was an 11-year-old altar boy. He told his parents in 1984, who went to the diocese. Michael Murphy was bishop. Sent to treatment. Diocese promised his ministry would be restricted and asked the parents not to pursue matter further. Named in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. The Diocese knew in 1986 of alleged abuse of a 13-year-old boy 1976-1977. Confessed in 1987 to abusing up to 20 boys. Sent to Chicago for a psych evaluation. Gowronski would show the boys how to perform “cancer checks.” Admitted to molesting as many as 41 boys. Active priest when removed in 3/2002. Laicized in 2006. Living in 2018 in Arizona. A lawsuit in 7/2020 claims abuse in 1983 of a 15-year-old.


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