Fr. Francis C. Wissel
Monsignor. Per documents released in 2009, the diocese paid two men $20K each in 2004 to settle claims of abuse in the late 1970s-early 1980s. The men claimed they were abused by Wissel and former Vicar General Genuario. The money was for therapy for three years and settlements referred to “disputed claims.” Accusers had recently learned that the priests were still active. Pastor of St. Mary Parish in Greenwich and founder of a home for underprivileged boys in Bridgeport. Both priests denied the allegations. Per a 2019 report commissioned by the diocese, there were allegations that Wissel abused three boys, ages 12 and 13, in 1979, 1982 and 1985. The diocese did not determine the allegations to be credible. Wissel died 6/19/2014.
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