Diocese of Buffalo NY – BishopAccountability.org

213 Accused in this Diocese

Bishop Edward M. Grosz

Ordained: 1971
Status: Accused

Ordained in 1971 for the Diocese of Buffalo. Appointed auxiliary bishop in 11/1989. Retired in 2020. In 7/2021 the Diocese announced that it had been notified of a claim filed under the NY Child Victims Act that Grosz sexually assaulted a 15-year-old boy 1990. The abuse allegedly occurred at a reception following a confirmation service at St. Brigid in Bergen. The plaintiff also accused Rev. Richard Keppeler, and said he was planning to disclose his abuse by Keppeler to Grosz, until he heard Grosz comment to Keppeler as he (the boy) approached the altar about his (the boy's) good looks. Grosz denied the allegations. He took leave from active ministry pending an investigation. The Diocese's list of accused in 9/2025 shows that Grosz is on administrative leave as the investigation continues.

Sources:

Br. Augustine Denis Towey

Order: CM
Status: Sued

Died: 11/22/2012
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Member of the Eastern Province Vincentians. Accused in a 7/2021 lawsuit of sexually abusing a boy, age 15, in about 1971. Towey was head of the theater department at Niagara University for 42 years until he retired in 2005. He remained active there until 2010, when he moved to St. Vincent's Seminary in Philadelphia. He died 11/22/2012.

Documents:

Plaintiff v Vincentians et al, New York Supreme Court Niagara County 07.17.21

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Br. Richard Prange

Ordained: 1971
Status: Sued

Died: 10/17/2023
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Smith was suspended in 2011 after complaints about his behavior toward a boy. He refused to stay away from the boy's school. Sent to the Vianney Center for treatment. In 11/2012 he was given a nursing home ministry by new bishop Malone. There were reports in 10/2013 of Smith inappropriately touching two young men there. Malone wrote glowing recommendations in 2015 and 2016 for Smith for work which would put him in contact with children. He was found to be a cruise ship chaplain in 2018. Per the Diocese in 6/2018, the allegations were substantiated. Smith's nephew said in 2/2019 that Smith sexually abused him at age 9. A lawsuit filed in 9/2019 claimed abuse of a boy, age 16, in 1976. Accused in 2003 of sexually assaulting a seminarian, who told Auxiliary Bishop Grosz. Grosz allegedly blamed the seminarian for not locking his door, and warned him to keep quiet or he'd lose his vocation. Smith was removed from the diocesan payroll 5/1/2019 in a bankruptcy agreement. He filed suit against the Diocese in 4/2022 to restore his pension. Smith died 10/17/2023.

Fr. Aurelian W. Brzezniak

Order: OFM Conv
Ordained: 1945
Status: Sued

Died: 6/27/2011
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Parish priest; high school teacher and principal. Died 6/27/2011. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/2019 of sexually abusing a 7-year-old boy, along with Revs. James Smyka and Patrick Mendola, at St. Francis High School in the Buffalo diocese in 1977. The accuser claimed the abuse occurred in front of a group of priests in a shower room, and that it continued until he was age 8.

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Fr. Basil A. Ormsby

Ordained: 1942
Status: Sued

Died: 6/14/1997
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Assigned to St Teresa's in South Buffalo 1957-1987, named pastor in 1969. Had worked in 10 parishes in his first 15 years as a priest. Retired in 1987. Elevated to monsignor in 1988. Died 6/14/1997. First revealed in 3/20/2018 on the Diocese's list as 'removed, retired, or having left ministry after allegations of sexual abuse of a minor.' The list includes deceased priests only if they are the subject of more than one allegation. In addition to the two or more allegations indicated by Ormsby's inclusion on the diocesan list, he reportedly molested a boy, age 12, during a pastoral visit in 1960 to the boy's home after the death of his father. He also allegedly touched and kissed an altar boy in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Accused in a lawsuit filed 8/14/2019 of sexually abusing a boy, age 13, in 1975. Accused in a lawsuit 8/2019 of the sexual abuse of a child, ages 9-12, 1950-1953 in Cheektowaga. By 8/2021 there were 19 lawsuits filed under the NY Child Victims Act with accusations against Ormsby.

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Fr. Benedict P. Barszcz

Donate Photo

Order: SAC
Ordained: 1990
Status: Charged

Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

From Poland. Arrested in July 1999 and charged with public lewdness after he was accused of exposing himself to two girls, ages 14 and 15. Barszcz reportedly masturbated in front of the girls while sitting in a car. He was removed from public ministry. Barszcz was had been assistant pastor of St. Peter's in Lewiston since October 1998. Prior to that he assisted in two Brooklyn parishes. Last known to have been port chaplain in 2001 in Szczecin, Poland. Included on the Buffalo diocese's list of credibly accused updated 11/5/2018.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

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Fr. Bernard M. Mach

Ordained: 1964
Status: Settled

Died: 2/17/2004
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Accused of fondling a 12-year-old boy in Fall 1991. In 1/1993 the boy's parents met with Mach and in 3/1993 with the diocesan chancellor. They filed a civil lawsuit in 1993 when the Diocese failed to pay for counseling. Mach was placed on leave 12/1993. Also accused, along with Fr. John Aurelio, of the sexual abuse of three others. The civil suit settled confidentially in 1998. Mach lived in FL without privileges. He died 2/17/2004. Included on the Diocese's 3/20/2018 list of credibly accused. Named in a 4/30/2019 lawsuit. A suit in 8/2019 claims Mach sexually abused a 7-year-old at St. Gerard's in 1974. By 8/2021 there were 21 lawsuits filed under the NY Child Victims Act with allegations against Mach.

Fr. Bernard Splawski

Order: OFM
Ordained: 1963
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Accused in 1986 of fondling a student at Bishop Timon High School in South Buffalo. Underwent inpatient treatment for six months and two years of outpatient treatment, then reassigned to Paterson, NJ. Removed from his NJ assignment after 17 years in 2/2003. Was to remain a Franciscan and live in a friary doing "internal work" after renewed complaints from the family of the student. Included on the Buffalo diocese's list of credibly accused updated 11/5/2018. Included in 10/2021 on the Holy Name Province Franciscans' list of those with substantiated allegations against them. Buffalo's list in 9/2025 shows that he was removed from ministry and was living outside the diocese.

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Fr. Brian M. Hatrick

Ordained: 1979
Status: Sued

Died: 1/22/2025
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list 3/20/2018. In the early 1980s a woman told the Diocese that Hatrick molested her altar-boy son, age 14. They were Blessed Sacrament in Depew parishioners, where Hatrick was assigned. He was moved to another parish in West Seneca, allowed to work with youth. Listed in the 1988 Official Catholic Directory as working at St. Vincent's parish in North Evans NY. The woman complained in 2003 to the Diocese when she learned Hatrick was still in ministry. He continued in parish ministry until 2007, when he was "quietly removed." Named in a lawsuit in 8/2019. Case sent to the Vatican. Removed from the diocesan payroll 5/1/2020 as part of a bankruptcy agreement. Died 1/22/2025.

Assignments:

Jeff Anderson & Associates Assignment History

Assignments:

Jeff Anderson & Associates Assignment History

Fr. Denman Dewey

Ordained: 1956
Status: Accused

Died: 1/1/1989
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Ordained in 1956 for the Oblates of Mary (O.M.I.). Became a diocesan priest in 1963. Assigned to parishes in Buffalo, Aurora, Jamestown and Batavia. In 2018 it was reported publicly that Dewey was accused of having sexually abused a 12-year-old boy in Batavia, where he was assigned 1964-1965. After the parents of another child alleged abuse by Dewey, he was moved to an Aurora parish. He died in 1989. Per his obituary, he held a PhD. Appears to have no longer been a priest.

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Fr. Dennis A. Fronczak

Ordained: 1975
Status: Sued

Died: 10/6/2021
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Fronczyk aka Franczak aka Fronczak. Reportedly was kept in ministry in 2006 despite 8 known alleged incidents of sexually inappropriate behavior toward young girls. Pastor of Our Lady of Pompeii in Lancaster when placed on leave in 10/2015 for unspecified reasons. Denied misconduct. After publicity in 6/2018, a woman told the Buffalo News that Fronczak fondled her repeatedly when she was ages 9-12 in the 1990s, at St. Stephen's on Grand Island. Also per news in 6/2018, a couple told the Diocese in 2003 that Fronczak showed inappropriate behavior toward their 3-year-old daughter. They said the Diocese said they would look into it, but heard nothing more. The Diocese said in 6/2018 that the allegations were substantiated. Fronczak was to remain on leave pending the Vatican's decision. Accused in a lawsuit in 8/2019 of abuse of a child, age 10-11, in 1986-1988 while assigned to a Lockport parish. Removed from diocesan payroll 5/1/2020 as part of a bankruptcy agreement. Added to the Diocese's list of credibly accused. Died 10/6/2021.

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Fr. Dennis G. Riter

Ordained: 1971
Status: Sued

Died: 2/8/2020
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Suspended on 3/26/2018, accused of the sexual abuse of two altar boys at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in the 1990s. One accuser said he was 10-13 when abused, and that he witnessed the abuse of the other boy, now deceased. Also, he said Riter would invite him to play games in the rectory after mass, then abuse him. He told his aunt in 2007; she took notes. The other boy's mother said her son told her at age 12 in 1997 that Riter tried to "play with" him underneath his robe on the altar during mass. She also said she told a cousin who worked for the Diocese, who said "we'll look into it." The cousin claimed in 2018 not to remember. A third alleged victim was discovered by a news outlet in 5/2018. A former seminarian said that in 1992 he walked in on Riter sexually abusing a 6-year-old boy, and told Bishops Head and Grosz in a letter. He said they told him to keep it quiet. Per the Diocese in 6/2018 the claims were unsubstantiated; Riter was reinstated. A new lawsuit was filed in 8/2019 by the first accuser under the Child Victims Act. Riter died 2/8/2020.

Fr. Donald C. Mason

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1963
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Accused in a lawsuit(s) filed in 2020 under the NY Child Victims Act.

Sources:

Buffalo News 09.22.20

Fr. Donald J. Lutz

Ordained: 1970
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help when accused in a lawsuit filed 7/30/2020 of "unpermitted sexual contact" with a girl, ages 13-14, in 1975-1976. The alleged victim was a parishioner during the time in question of St. Leo the Great in Amherst, where Lutz was assigned. Lutz denied the allegations. Reportedly in 9/2020, Lutz was allowed to remain in ministry despite the allegation. A second woman also claimed abuse by Lutz as a minor in the 1970s. In 10/2020 Lutz was placed on leave pending the investigation of the allegations. In 8/2021 the Diocese announced that the allegations were substantiated and that Lutz would be on permanent administrative leave. Added to the Diocese's list of credibly accused.

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Fr. Donald S. Fafinski

Ordained: 1966
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Named publicly by the Diocese on its 3/20/2018 list as removed, retired, or having left ministry after allegations of the sexual abuse of a minor. Fafinski was working at St. John Vianney in Orchard Park NY in 1988. He was removed from diocesan payroll 5/1/2020 as part of a bankruptcy agreement.

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Fr. Donald W. Becker

Ordained: 1968
Status: Settled

Died: 2/15/2022
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Removed in 2003. Accused of sexually abusing two teenage boys and a boy age 10-11. Becker denied the allegations. After publicity in 3/2018 a news outlet reported hearing from "several more" accusers. One said when he was age 15 in 1975 Becker got him drunk then abused him, including rape, in a North Java cabin. Becker's name was included on the Diocese's 3/20/2018 list. A third man, age 43, stated publicly on 6/1/2018 that he was sexually abused at age 13 by Becker when the priest was pastor of SS Peter and Paul in Hamburg. At least one alleged victim reportedly died by suicide. A lawsuit 8/2019 claims abuse of 15-year-old boy in 1974 at Becker's cabin. The plaintiff told the Diocese in 9/2007; the Diocese was paying for counseling and meds since 2012. A 9/2019 lawsuit claimed Becker abused a boy, age 11, in 1971. The case was sent to the Vatican. Becker was removed from the diocesan payroll on 5/1/2020 in a bankruptcy agreement. By 8/2021 thirty men had claimed abuse as boys by Becker under the NY Child Victims Act. Becker lived in Fort Meyers, FL 2013 until his death 2/15/2022.

Fr. Douglas F. Faraci

Ordained: 1969
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Named publicly by the Diocese on its 3/20/2018 list as removed, retired, or having left ministry after allegations of the sexual abuse of a minor. Removed from ministry in 2018. Worked at NY General Hospital in Buffalo in 1987-1988. Accused in 2002 of abusing two altar boys in the 1970s. Medical leave in 2003. Admitted to the Diocese in 2016 to hearing confessions and publicly celebrating mass after his removal from ministry. Case sent to the Vatican. Sentenced to a life of prayer and penance. Removed from the diocesan payroll 5/1/2020 as part of the Diocese's bankruptcy agreement.

Assignments:

Jeff Anderson & Associates Assignment History

Assignments:

Jeff Anderson & Associates Assignment History

Fr. Florian A. Jasinski

Ordained: 1957
Status: Sued

Died: 12/19/1983
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Named publicly by the Diocese on its list 3/20/2018 as removed, retired, or having left ministry after allegations of the sexual abuse of a minor. Died in 1983 at age 53. The list includes deceased priests only if they are the subject of more than one allegation. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/2019 of sexually abusing a child, age 8-9, in 1982-1983. The child was involved in activities at St. Stanislaus.

Assignments:

Jeff Anderson & Associates Assignment History

Assignments:

BishopAccountability.org Assignment Record

Born in Mexico, raised in Italy. Attended seminary in Italy and at St. Bonaventure University in Allegeny NY. Assigned to Nativity in Buffalo, then administrator at Sacred Heart. Pastor at St. Mary's in Sliver Springs. Also worked at St. John's in Sinclairville and St. Jude's in Sardinia. Boy Scout leader for 17 years. Moderator of the Catholic Youth Organization for 15 years. Died 7/12/1995. Accused in a lawsuit(s) filed in 2020 under the NY Child Victims Act.

Sources:

Buffalo News Obituary 07.14.95

Fr. Franklin J. Tuchols

Ordained: 1971
Status: Sued

Died: 9/13/2024
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Assignments:

Jeff Anderson & Associates Assignment History

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Fr. Gerald P. Collins

Ordained: 1954
Status: Accused

Died: 6/8/1995
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list updated 11/5/2019. Multiple allegations, substantiated. Died 6/8/1995.

Sources:

Diocese of Buffalo List updated 11.05.19

Fr. Gerald Paul Sheehan

Ordained: 1964
Status: Accused

Died: 6/12/2006
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Worked in South Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Orchard Park and Sheridan parishes. On leave in 1976. Died 6/12/2006. In 3/2018 a woman reported to the Diocese that Sheehan sexually abused her when she was ages 7-14 in the late 1970s-early 1980s, when he was assigned to Nativity of Our Lord in Orchard Park. She said the abuse took place in the parish rectory, in various cottages, and at her home. She said her brother told the Diocese in 1994, but Sheehan was kept in ministry. Accused in an 8/2019 lawsuit of molesting a 7-year-old in 1973 while assigned to St. Martin of Tours in South Buffalo. Added to the Diocese's list of credibly accused.

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Fr. Gerard A. Smyczynski

Ordained: 1980
Status: Settled

Ordained: 1956
Status: Sued

Died: 11/23/2016
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Monsignor. Ordained for the Josephites. Director of Vocations for the order in Baltimore for 13 years and for the Diocese of Buffalo for 2 years. Parish pastor in New Orleans LA in 1974. Incardinated in 1975 to the Diocese of Buffalo. Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list 3/2018 of those removed, retired, or having left ministry after allegations of the sexual abuse of a minor. Higgins died in 2016; the list includes deceased priests only if they are the subject of more than one allegation. Pastor 1983-1997 of Most Precious Blood in Angola, NY. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/2019 of sexually abusing a child, age 9-10, during 1990-1991.

Assignments:

Jeff Anderson & Associates Assignment History

Sources:

Fr. J. Peter Conroy

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1971
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Named publicly as credibly accused by the Buffalo diocese on its list updated 11/5/2018. Included on the Northeast Province Jesuits' list of credibly accused 1/15/2019. Taught at Canisius High School 1965-1968 and Canisius College 1981 for three years and again 1994-2002. Was at a retreat house in Syracuse 1985-1994. Conroy was removed in 2002 after reports to the Diocese that he sexually abused two girls, who were relatives, 1972-1975, while he was assigned to Fordham University. He was reportedly also accused by a young woman who "encountered" him on a college campus. Conroy acknowledged the abuse. He was living at a retreat center since 2002 as of 1/2019. A lawsuit was filed in 2/2019 by the two relatives Conroy admitted abusing. He was sued also in 7/2020.

Assignments:

Jesuits Northeast Province List 01.15.19

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Fr. James A. Spielman

Ordained: 1970
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Bishop Head knew of allegations of abuse at a Jamestown parish in 1989; Spielman was sent to treatment 6 months later. Returned to ministry. Accused in 1993 of sexually abusing an altar boy for 4 years in the 1970s; $150K settlement in 1994. Spielman left the priesthood after the abuse was reported 1993; moved to AK. Possibly in Naalehu HI as of 2011. Worked in HI parishes at some point. Included on the Diocese's 3/20/2018 list of credibly accused. Settlement in 2016 for $1.5M with a former Walsh High student claiming abuse by Spielman at ages 14-17. The former student said the abuse occurred at school, other places in Buffalo, and in the Honolulu diocese, and that other students were also abused. Spielman also allegedly plied his victims with alcohol and pornography; further, staff at school were told of the abuse, but nothing was done. The suit was v Buffalo and the Honolulu dioceses, Walsh High School, and Southdown Institute in Toronto, where Spielman was treated 12/1989-5/1990 and in 1993. Named in an 8/2019 lawsuit in NY. Spielman's name was included in 2019 on the Diocese's list of credibly accused. The list in 9/2025 shows that Spielman was removed from the clerical state.

Fr. James Burson

Order: CSJ
Ordained: 1963
Status: Sued

Died: 8/25/2020
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Assignments:

Jeff Anderson & Associates Assignment History

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Fr. James H. Kasprzyk

Ordained: 1965
Status: Accused

Died: 10/10/2014
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

In 2018 the Diocese reviewed an allegation from a man who said Kasprzyk sexually abused him when he was between the ages of 10-15. Per his obituary, Kasprzyk retired in 1993 for "medical reasons" and died in 2014.

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Fr. James P. Hayes

Ordained: 1947
Status: Sued

Died: 11/30/1988
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Monsignor. First revealed on the diocesan list 3/20/2018 as removed, retired, or having left ministry after allegations of the sexual abuse of a minor. (First erroneously id'd as James F. Hayes.) Died 11/30/1988. In 8/2019 a 49-year-old woman filed suit under the Child Victims Act, claiming Hayes starting molesting her at All Saints in Riverside when she was age 7 or 8, and continuing through her eighth grade year. Another woman claimed he sexually abused her for two years, beginning when she was 13 in 1976. By 8/2021 there were 13 lawsuits filed under the NY Child Victims Act with allegations against Hayes.

Assignments:

Jeff Anderson & Associates Assignment History

Fr. John Adriani

Donate Photo

Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Accused in a lawsuit filed under the NY Child Victims Act in 10/2019 of molesting a boy, age 11, in 1953 at St. Joseph's in Niagara Falls. (The Official Catholic Directory shows a Fr. Igino Adreani, CRSP as at the parish at that time; John Adriani not found.)

Sources:

Buffalo News 08.14.19 updated 08.03.20

Fr. John Cohane

Donate Photo

Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Accused in a lawsuit(s) filed in 2020 under the NY Child Victims Act. Allegedly sexually abuse a boy, starting in 1951 when the boy was 14 and a parishioner of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Niagara Falls. Cohane was reportedly assigned to the parish at the time in question.

Sources:

Buffalo News 09.22.20

Fr. John D. Lewandowski

Ordained: 1960
Status: Sued

Died: 1/13/1982
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

First named publicly as credibly accused by the Diocese on its list 3/20/2018. Noted to have died in 1982. Sent in early 1966 to a Bemus Point diocesan retreat house after pastor expressed concern to the bishop about Lewandowski's behavior with a teenage boy. The retreat house was said to have been "a penal house for wayward priests." Lewandowski was a suspect in the murder of another priest there; the investigation was shut down after Lewandowski became a suspect. He was returned to ministry. Moved in 1969 to a Tupper Lake parish in the Ogdensburg diocese. Reportedly was a priest until about 1970. Accused in a 10/2019 lawsuit of sexually abusing boy, ages 13-14, at Ss. Peter and Paul in Jamestown, where Lewandowski was assigned in the early 1960s. A suit filed in 7/2020 claims abuse 1962-1963 of another child, ages 13-14. A 12/2020 lawsuit claims abuse of a boy, age 14, in 1960. Accused by at least seven men under the NY Child Victims Act. His accusers said Lewandowski would pull down their pants and molest them while he wrestled with them. One said Lewandowski once told him while they were wrestling, "I could snap your neck and kill you in an instant." Another said the priest told him and his friends, " I could kill you or cripple you for the rest of your life."

Assignments:

Jeff Anderson & Associates Assignment History

Named publicly as credibly accused by the Jesuits Northeast Province on its list 1/15/2019. An allegation of the sexual abuse of a minor in 1961 was reported in 1961. Farrand admitted to the abuse. He reportedly was teaching at Canisius High School in Buffalo when the abuse occurred. Prior to that assignment he worked at Regis High School in NYC 1957-1961. As a scholastic (seminarian) Farrand taught at Canisius High School 1946-1949, and at St. Peter's Prep in Jersey City NJ 1949-1950. After the allegation in 1961, Farrand was transferred t0 Brooklyn Prep, and went on to teach at other schools in NY, France and Puerto Rico. His last assignment was at Loyola School in NY 1976-1997. He died in 2003. Named in a lawsuit filed in 7/2020.

Assignments:

Jesuits Northeast Province List 01.15.19

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Fr. John M. Ryan

Ordained: 1955
Status: Accused

Died: 1/22/2024
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Monsignor. Superintendent of Catholic Schools 1975-1981. Retired in 2001. Accused in 5/2018 by a man in his IRCP application to the Diocese of molesting him beginning when he was an 11- or 12-year-old altar boy in the 1980s. Suspended in 7/2018. Accused by a woman in 5/2019 of sexually abusing her when she was ages 6-11 in the late 1950s and early 1960s, when she and her family were parishioners at Mary Queen of Heaven in West Seneca. The woman said the abuse occurred in Ryan's car and at his cabin. He died in 2024.

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Fr. John P. Hajduk

Ordained: 1976
Status: Sued

Died: 10/18/2021
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Named publicly as credibly accused by the Diocese on its list 3/20/2018. When working in 1979 at Most Precious Blood in Angola, teachers from the school went to diocesan officials with their "anxieties" about Hajduk. He was kept in ministry. Accused in a 7/2020 lawsuit of molesting a boy, age 14 or 15, in 1977 while assigned to Precious Blood. In 2005 a man reported to the Diocese that Hajduk gave him drugs and alcohol and raped him repeatedly for three years, starting when he was age 12 in 1978. He said Hajduk threatened to kill him if he told. Accused in two suits in 2019 of the sexual abuse of boys while at Holy Family in Buffalo, his assignment after Most Precious Blood. Was pastor in Cattaruagus in 1991; no longer in parishes after 1994. Died 10/18/2021.

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Fr. John R. Aurelio

Ordained: 1966
Status: Sued

Died: 8/26/2009
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

In 1993 Aurelio admitted to sodomizing three boys, ages 12-14, 15-20 years prior. He acted with another priest, Bernard M. Mach. Both were suspended. Aurelio claimed the boys seduced them. Admitted to drinking alcohol and smoking pot with young boys. Also accused of abuse of another youth. Aurelio and Mach shared a home. Child pornography was delivered to the home, discovered by a subsequent resident. Aurelio was the author of children's Christian storybooks. In 2002 he was living in Florida, no longer functioning as a priest. He died 8/26/2009. Included on the Diocese's 3/20/2018 list of accused. One man alleging abuse by Aurelio at age 11 in 1968 filed suit in 2019 under the NY Child Victims Act.

Fr. John Raymond Gabalski

Ordained: 1948
Status: Sued

Died: 10/9/2003
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Monsignor. Taught after ordination at St. Mary College in Orchard Lake MI until 1965, then returned to Buffalo. Assistant at parishes in Cheektowaga and Buffalo. Diocesan Prep Seminary faculty member 1966-1974. Pastor of Queen of Peace until 1978. Pastor of St. Stanislaus 1978 until his death 10/9/2003. Accused in a lawsuit(s) filed in 2020 under the NY Child Victims Act.

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Fr. John S. Doyle

Ordained: 1929
Status: Sued

Died: 1/3/1977
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Accused in lawsuits filed in 2019 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abusing three children. One claims abuse of a 10-year-old in 1967 and the other claims abuse 1970-1972 of a child starting when they were age 7. The abuse allegedly occurred while Doyle was pastor of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in Orchard Park. Doyle died in 1977. A woman said she told the Diocese in 2018 that Doyle sexually abused her as a fifth-grader in the 1960s at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. Doyle's name was added to the Diocese's list of credibly accused.

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Fr. Joseph A. Schuster

Ordained: 1966
Status: Sued

Died: 7/23/2007
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Accused at 3:00 pm on 3/30/2018, Good Friday, outside the cathedral in Buffalo, of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old boy in 1968. The survivor stated he understands he was the 'first of many victims.' He met Schuster at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Niagara Falls, where Schuster helped out. In 1968 Schuster was assigned to Holy Name of Jesus in Buffalo and then as faculty at the Preparatory Seminary in Buffalo. After an event relating to the Vietnam War, Schuster pressed the boy to stay overnight at the priest's apartment, rather than bike home in the dark. The boy told his mother about the abuse the next day. The Diocese stated that Schuster was not on its 3/20/2019 list of 'diocesan priests who were removed from ministry, were retired, or left ministry after allegations of sexual abuse of a minor' because the list only included deceased priests with 2 or more allegations. Schuster was granted a leave of absence in 1991; it is not known whether he was ever laicized. He died on 7/23/2007. Accused along with Rev. Fred Ingalls in a lawsuit filed under the NY Child Victims Act in 9/2019 of sexually abusing a boy, ages 7-10, in 1976-1979, at St. Joseph's in Niagara Falls.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

Sources:

Fr. Joseph Bissonette

Ordained: 1958
Status: Sued

Died: 2/24/1987
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Fr. Joseph P. Waclawski

Ordained: 1942
Status: Sued

Died: 11/11/2004
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Monsignor. Parish priest; Diocesan Catholic Youth Director; member of the national board of directors of the Catholic Youth Organization; missionary in Bolivia. Pastor of St. James Parish in Depew from 1969 until he retired in 1992. Did mission work with the Glenmary Home Missioners in Tennessee in retirement. Accused in a lawsuit(s) filed in 2020 under the NY Child Victims Act. Died 11/11/2004.

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Fr. Joseph Rappl

Ordained: 1978
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

In 4/2018 a 48-year-old man stated publicly he was sexually abused at age 11 in 1981 by Rappl. He said it happened once, after confession at St. Peter's in Lewiston. After Lewiston, Rappl was assigned to parishes in West Seneca and Holley, before working into the late 1990s as a military chaplain in CA, NY, Washington DC and NC. He left the priesthood 1999 and stayed in NC. In 4/2018 he was noted to be working as a "married Roman Catholic Priest," although he was no longer in "the clerical state." He was also a volunteer counselor at an overnight camp for children run by the Buffalo diocese. Rappl's accuser filed a complaint with the Diocese 3/19/2018. In 8/2019 Rappl was accused in a lawsuit of the sexual abuse of another child, age 12-14, in 1978-1980 at St. Peter's in Lewiston. Included on the Diocese's list of credibly accused.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

Assignments:

Jeff Anderson & Associates Assignment History

Sources:

Fr. Louis S. Dolinic

Ordained: 1966
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Retired in 2010. Suspended in 10/2018 pending the investigation of a complaint of abuse. Dolinic was assigned during his career to parishes in Lackawanna, Sloan, North Tonawanda, Buffalo, and Depew. Accused in a lawsuit filed 9/17/2019 of sexually abusing a child, age 9 or 10, in 1977-1978 at St. Joseph's in North Tonawanda. Added to the Diocese's list 11/5/2019. Multiple allegations, substantiated. Case to go to Rome. Removed from the diocesan payroll 5/1/2020 as part of a bankruptcy agreement. Per the Diocese's list in 9/2025, Dolinic was sentenced to a life of prayer and penance.

Assignments:

WKBW 10.02.18

Sources:

Fr. Loville N. Martlock

Ordained: 1963
Status: Sued

Died: 12/26/2014
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Placed on "medical leave" in 10/1993 after he was accused of sexually abusing a boy, ages 8-12, beginning in 1974. Martlock was working as a religion teacher at Notre Dame High School during the time in question. In 2002 Martlock was retired, living out of state and not functioning as a priest. He died in 12/2014. Included on the Diocese's list 3/20/2018. The list included deceased priests only if they had more than one allegation. In 9/2018 a Buffalo deacon said that he was sexually abused by Martlock at age 16 in 1970. He said that Rev. Mark Friel also abused him. Accused in a 1/2020 lawsuit of abusing an altar boy in beginning in 1968 when the boy was age 8 and Martlock was assigned to St. Christopher's in Tonawanda.

Assignments:

Jeff Anderson & Associates Assignment History

Assignments:

Connecticut Post via Legacy Obituary 09.06.13

Sources:

Fr. Mark Andrzejczuk

Order: OFM Conv
Ordained: 1978
Status: Sued

Died: 12/29/2011
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Ordained for the Conventual Franciscans in 1978. Taught at Archbishop Curley High School in Baltimore MD prior to ordination. Per the Official Catholic Directory, Andrezjczuk was assigned after ordination to Cardinal O'Hara High School in Tonawanda NY 1978-1979, and again in 1983. He appears to have left the priesthood after that time. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 10/2019 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abusing a 16-year-old girl in 1978 and 1979 while assigned to Cardinal O'Hara High School. The girl was a student. Another former student also sued in 2019, claiming Andrzejczuk molested her 1978-1981 when she was ages 14-17. Andrzejzuk died in 2011.

Sources:

Fr. Mark Conv

Donate Photo

Order: OFM
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese of Buffalo on its list updated 11/5/2019. Multiple allegations. Left the Franciscans. Died in 2011.

Sources:

Diocese of Buffalo List 11.05.19

Fr. Mark M. Friel

Ordained: 1963
Status: Sued

Died: 2/24/2023
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Named publicly by the Diocese on its list 3/20/2018 as removed, retired, or having left ministry after allegations of the sexual abuse of a minor. Listed in the 1988 Official Catholic Directory as in residence at St. Mary of the Cataract in Niagara Falls NY; the 1988 Directory index does not provide his year of ordination, although the ordination year was routinely provided in the Directory beginning in that year. Accused in a 9/2019 lawsuit of assault, including sexual, of a boy, ages 17-18, at Ss. Peter and Paul 1985-1986. Removed from the diocesan payroll 5/1/2020 as part of a bankruptcy agreement. Accused in a lawsuit filed 9/17/2019 of sexually abusing a child, ages 9-11, in 1971-1973 while assigned to Assumption of the BVM in Lackawanna. Died 2/24/2023.

Assignments:

Sources:

Fr. Mark Wolski

Ordained: 1967
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Placed on administrative leave in 5/2010 after a complaint that he sexually abused a 15- to 17-year-old boy 1968 -1970. Much of the abuse was said to have occurred at St. Barnabas in Depew, and at Wolski's cottage in Angola. Wolski had been a member of the Diocesan Review Board and a Children's Hospital chaplain. He retired in 2012. The allegations were substantiated, per the Diocese in 12/2018. Included on the Diocese's list 1/2019. Removed from the Diocesan payroll 5/1/2020 as part of a bankruptcy agreement. Per the Diocese's list in 9/2025, a judicial process 2024-2025 yielded a not guilty finding. Ministry restricted.

Sources:

Fr. Martin L. Pavlock

Ordained: 1966
Status: Sued

Ordained: 1942
Status: Sued

Died: 12/19/1989
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Included 3/20/2018 on the diocese's list as removed, retired, or having left ministry after allegations of the sexual abuse of a minor. Died in 1989; the diocesan list includes deceased priests only if they have more than one allegation. Pastor for 25 years of Immaculate Conception in Buffalo. Monsignor. Retired in 1995. In 8/2019 a man filed suit, claiming Harrington fondled him as a 10-year-old altar boy in 1965 on a trip to New York City. He said the abuse took place in a hotel while Harrington bathed him. Bishop McNulty was on the boys paper route, and the boy reportedly told the bishop about the abuse. He said McNulty said he'd "take care of it" and gave the boy a generous tip. Another man had a similar story of abuse by Harrington at about age 12, during a trip to Montreal. The man said Harrington regularly took altar boys with him on trips. Accused in a suit filed in 9/2019 of abuse of a boy 1978-1981, starting when the boy was 10. By 8/2021 there were 17 lawsuits filed under the NY Child Victims Act with accusations against Harrington. In 11/2024 a man said he was sexually abused by Harrington when he was an 11-year-old altar boy in 1977, during a trip to Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal. He said the priest would choose one altar server to go with him each year on an annual pilgrimage to the Basilica. Harrington's modus operandi with his victims was to force them to drink a liquid that would cause them to lose consciousness, and they would awaken "feeling violated."

Assignments:

Jeff Anderson & Associates Assignment History

Sources:

Fr. Michael Lynch

Donate Photo

Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Accused in a lawsuit(s) filed in 2020 under the NY Child Victims Act.

Sources:

Buffalo News 09.22.20

Fr. Michael M. Lewandowski

Order: OFM Conv
Ordained: 1975
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Faculty member St. Francis High School in Hamburg and Cardinal O'Hara High School in Tonawanda variously during 1975-1991. There is an unexplained gap in Lewandowski's assignment history 1991-1992. He was assigned to parishes in the Springfield MA diocese 1992-1997, and worked in the Altoona diocese beginning in 1997. In 5/2014, the Order told Altoona that Lewandowski was the subject of an allegation of sexual misconduct with a minor in the 1980s [likely in Buffalo]. He was removed by Altoona from St. Anne's in Davidsville, pending an investigation. Civil authorities were notified. Per a 2019 lawsuit, Lewandowski sexually abused a St. Francis High School student starting in 1979. The plaintiff said Lewandowski, who was a wrestling coach, would fondle him while they wrestled and would ply him with alcohol. He said he told the principal of the abuse at the time, who did nothing.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

Sources:

Fr. Michael P. Juran

Ordained: 1976
Status: Accused

Died: 11/11/2024
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Placed on leave in 10/2018 after allegations of two cases of sexual misconduct with children. Living in FL when removed; had been assigned 2006-2011 to St. Stephen's parish in St. Petersburg. The Diocese announced in 5/2019 that the allegations were determined to be substantiated. Case to be reviewed by the Vatican. Removed from diocesan payroll 5/1/2020 as part of bankruptcy agreement. Added to the Diocese's list of credibly accused. Juran died 11/11/2024.

Sources:

Fr. Michael R. Freeman

Ordained: 1972
Status: Sued

Died: 1/17/2010
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Buffalo priest. First named publicly as accused on the Diocese's list 3/20/2018. The list included deceased priests only if they have more than one allegation. Worked in the Erie diocese in the 1980s, in both NY and PA. Admitted to "violating children" in five of his six assignments. Treated twice at Southdown in Canada. Died in 2010. Worked at St. Mary of the Assumption church in Lancaster NY in 1987-1988. Named in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. Faculties revoked in 3/1989. Suit filed 4/30/2019. One alleged victim stated in 6/2019 that as a teen in the early 1980s he told then Msgr. - later Bishop - Trautman of abuse by Freeman, and that Trautman told him, "You should never have put yourself in that position." Freeman was kept in ministry. Named in a lawsuit in 8/2019. His accuser said that Freeman "brandished a .38 caliber pistol" during at least one abuse incident. A suit filed in 9/2019 alleged abuse at Sacred Heart in Niagara Falls of a boy for two years, beginning in when the boy was 15 in 1980. By 1/2020, Freeman was accused in lawsuits of the sexual abuse of at least seven minors.

Fr. Michael Raimondo

Ordained: 1903
Status: Accused

Died: 5/10/2021
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Named publicly as credibly accused by the Diocese of Buffalo on its list updated 11/5/2018. From Italy. Worked in Italy after his 1903 ordination until 11/1904, when he arrived in New York to do missionary work with the Salesians of Don Bosco. In 1905 Raimondo was transferred to the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Per a 1907 biographical sketch, Raimondo was chosen as pastor of the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Los Angeles "because of his ability to to interest the younger people in the church work as his past years since graduating and after being ordained have been with children and younger people." Reportedly in 4/1908, Raimondo returned to Italy, citing poor health. He is shown in news reports in 1909 as curate of St. Anthony's in Elizabeth, NJ, in 1910 as pastor of St. Anthony's in Farnham NY, and in 1914 of Francis of Assisi in Buffalo NY. He died in 1921 in Salt Lake City, UT, where he had been assigned to the Cathedral of the Madeleine for two years.

Sources:

Fr. Mieczyslaw F. Nycz

Ordained: 1994
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

"Matt." From Poland. Accused in a lawsuit filed by a man 5/24/2021 under the NY Child Victims Act of encouraging him 1994-1998, when he was an elementary school student, to engage in sexual acts with four girls "provided" by Nycz and two other priests, Revs. Gregory Dobson and Adolph Kowalczyk. Per the suit, the man feared the priests secretly filmed them. He was a student at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in Orchard park. Nycz was pastor of SS. Peter and Paul in Williamsville when placed on leave due to the allegations. The three priests denied "ever committing any acts of abuse." In 10/2021 the Diocese's review board determined that the allegations against Nycz, Dobson, and Kowalczyk were unsubstantiated. All three were reinstated.

Sources:

Fr. Nelson J. Kinmartin

Ordained: 1950
Status: Accused

Died: 8/3/2021
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Ordained for the Diocese of Buffalo in 1950, after which he did missionary work in the Diocese of Raleigh NC. Faculty member for a brief time at Notre Dame High School in Batavia and principal of Baker-Victory High School in Lackawanna. Long-time faculty member at Bishop Turner High School in Buffalo. Assisted in parishes. Named pastor in 1969 of Our Lady of Fatima in Elba; resigned after a year and returned to his counseling position at Bishop Turner. Hospital chaplain. Died 8/3/1989. In 2018 a man reported to the Diocese that Kinmartin fondled him in 1982, when he was a Bishop Turner freshman and Kinmartin was his guidance counselor.

Sources:

Fr. Norbert F. Orsolits

Ordained: 1965
Status: Settled

Died: 3/25/2021
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Suspended in 2003. Admitted in 2/2018 he had sexually abused "probably dozens" of adolescent boys in late 1970s-early 1980s. A man said Orsolits abused him during a ski trip in 1979 or 1980 at age 13 or 14. Orsolits said he was sent to Canada for treatment in the 1980s by Bishop Head, after which he was reassigned, including as a teacher at Walsh High School. His name was included on the Diocese's list 3/20/2018. A lawsuit filed in 8/2019 under the NY Child Victims Act claimed abuse of a 13- or 14-year-old in 1968. Orsolits was moved to another parish after the boy's parents complained. Another suit alleged abuse of a boy in the early- to mid-1970s. Orsolits was removed from the diocesan payroll 5/1/2020 in a bankruptcy agreement. A suit in 6/2020 against the Boy Scouts alleged abuse in 1966 by Orsolits, who was a Scout leader. By 8/2021 there were 20 lawsuits filed under the NY Child Victims Act naming Orsolits. He died 3/25/2021.

Assignments:

Jeff Anderson & Associates Assignment History

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

Documents:

Hamburg Police Dept Complaint 08.31.12

Assignments:

Horowitz Law Assignment Record

Sources:

Fr. Raymond Fullam

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1951
Status: Accused

Died: 11/6/1987
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Parish priest, high school teacher and chaplain, military chaplain, author. Named publicly as credibly accused by the Jesuits Northeast Province on its list 1/15/2019, which notes that allegations were received in 2009 of abuse in 1954 and 1965. Fullam died in 1987. Included on the Diocese of Buffalo's list in 11/2019.

Assignments:

Jesuits Northeast Province List 01.15.19

Assignments:

Buffalo News Obituary 04.18.06

Sources:

Fr. Richard J. Keppeler

Ordained: 1954
Status: Sued

Died: 12/26/2011
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Named publicly by the Diocese on its 3/20/18 list as removed, retired, or having left ministry after allegations of the sexual abuse of a minor. Listed as having died in 2011; diocesan list includes deceased priests only if they have more than one allegation. Listed in the 1988 Official Catholic Directory as working at St. Bridget's in Bergen NY. In 4/2018 a 68-year-old man alleged publicly that Keppeler abused him and other boys at Notre Dame High School, where the priest was Dean of Boys. Accused in a lawsuit filed 8/14/2019 of molesting a 14-year-old at All Saints in Buffalo in 1957. Another 8/14/2019 suit claims Kepeller sexually abused a 16-year-old Notre Dame High School student in 1972. Accused in a 7/2021 lawsuit of sexually abusing a boy, ages 10-15, during 1985-1990 while assigned to St. Brigid. The plaintiff also alleged that Auxiliary Bishop Grosz groped him repeatedly in 1990 after his confirmation ceremony at the parish, and that Grosz commented to Keppeler that he was right about the boy's good looks.

Assignments:

Jeff Anderson & Associates Assignment History

A lawsuit filed in Chicago in 3/1995 alleged that Biesinger sexually assaulted and abused a 15-year-old girl in 1974 on a trip to Chicago for her drill team competition, and on other occasions. Biesinger resigned in 8/1994 as pastor of a Cheektowaga parish, then retired. The Diocese settled the suit in 1996 for $125K. A second woman came forward to allege that he had abused her in 1965 when she sought counseling as a 'young adult.' When confronted by the Diocese about the allegation Biesinger said, "I can't remember, it was too long ago." He died 7/22/2012. Included on the Diocese's 3/20/2018 list as removed, retired, or having left ministry after allegations of the sexual abuse of a minor.

Assignments:

Jeff Anderson & Associates Assignment History

Sources:

Fr. Robert J. Lamby

Order: SSC
Ordained: 1975
Status: Accused

Died: 6/15/2002
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Named publicly as credibly accused by the Columbans' U.S. Province on its list in 2/2022. Multiple allegations noted, occurring in the 1970s. Left the Columbans in 2000. Per the Official Catholic Directory and news archives, Lamby was assigned 1975-1977 to the Diocese of Ozamis in Mendanao, Philippines; from 2/1977 until at least 5/1977 to St. Lawrence Parish in the Diocese of Buffalo NY (his home diocese; he does not appear in the 1978 or 1979 volumes of the Directory), and in the Archdiocese of Boston at St. Martha's in Plainville 1979-1981. He was an U.S. Air Force chaplain 1981 until about 1996, known to have been based in VA, SC, and TX. He was assigned 1997 until his death in 2002 to St. Mary of the Assumption in Mentor OH, in the Diocese of Cleveland.

Assignments:

BishopAccountability.org Assignment Record

Sources:

Fr. Robert J. Schober

Ordained: 1977
Status: Sued

Died: 6/26/2023
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Placed on leave in 9/2021 due to a claim of sexual abuse in the Diocese's bankruptcy case and in an allegation in a lawsuit filed in 8/2021 under the NY Child Victims Act. Schober allegedly sexually abused a child, ages 8-13, during 1980-1985, while assigned to Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Elma. He denied the allegation. In 5/2022 the Diocese announced that its Review Board found that the allegation was unsubstantiated. Schober was reinstated. He died 6/26/2023.

Sources:

Fr. Robert M. Yetter

Ordained: 1973
Status: Sued

Died: 7/5/2021
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Assignments:

Jeff Anderson & Associates Assignment History

Sources:

Fr. S. Theodore Berg

Ordained: 1961
Status: Accused

Died: 4/16/2009
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Parish priest, pastor. Assistant superintendent of Buffalo Catholic schools 1964-1970. Monsignor. Chaplain and director of development of Trocaire College 1971-1979. Held leadership positions for the Diocese and for the city of Buffalo. Reportedly in 4/2019, in 1987 parish employees told the administrator of St. Teresa's in South Buffalo that they found child pornography in Berg's room. Berg was the parish pastor. The administrator said multiple people, including Bishop Head, were notified. Berg was kept in ministry. He retired in 2003, and became canonical administrator at South Buffalo Catholic Academy in 2006. He died 4/16/2009.

Sources:

Fr. Samuel J. Venne

Ordained: 1978
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Retired, in residence at St. Stephen's on Grand Island when placed on leave in 4/2018 due to allegations of past child sex abuse, dating to 1980 at Our Lady of Pompei in Depew. Venne was reportedly accused twice. Other assignments included parishes in Buffalo, Batavia, South Buffalo, Niagara Falls, a Pendleton nursing home and Boy Scouts chaplain and scoutmaster. Per the Diocese in 6/2018, the allegations against Venne were substantiated. He was to remain on leave pending a determination by the Vatican. Venne denied the allegations. He was removed from the diocesan payroll 5/1/2020 in a bankruptcy agreement. In 11/2020 the Vatican suspended Venne for 7 years. Venne appealed the Vatican's decision. In 6/2021 he was refusing to join the Diocese's monitoring program for credibly accused priests.

Fr. Stanley Dominic Idziak

Order: SAC
Ordained: 1962
Status: Settled

Died: 1/3/2017
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Member of Pallotines in NY, Buffalo area. Moved to GA in 1977, following a family with two young boys, initially living with them. Left Pallotines, became Atlanta archdiocesan priest. Worked in Dunwoody, Stone Mountain, then Gainseville parishes. Accused in the late 1980s of the sexual abuse of a boy at a Stone Mountain church. Interviewed by law enforcement but no charges due to the statute of limitations. More accusations of abuse of boys by Idziak, including of the two brothers 1985-1988, beginning when they lived in NY. Sent to treatment in DC, then to the Paracletes in NM. Civil suit settled in 1992 for $570K. One allegation of abuse of a boy at a WI high school in 1964. Laicized in 1992, living in Albuquerque. Died in 1/2017. Another lawsuit in Spring 2017 alleged abuse of a 12- to 15-year-old Corpus Christi Parish altar boy, 1982-1985; settled in 1/2018. On the Atlanta archdiocese's list 11/6/2018. Per a suit filed in 9/2019, abused a boy, age 5 in 1963, continuing until 1973. Included in the GA PAC Report 3/24/2023. At least seven known victims. Included on the Diocese of Buffalo's list of credibly accused.

Sources:

Fr. Stephen Joseph Ladika

Ordained: 1952
Status: Sued

Died: 8/24/2011
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Accused in a lawsuit(s) filed in 2020 under the NY Child Victims Act. Left the priesthood in 1965, married, moved to FL and raised a family. Ladika was a hospital administrator in Boca Raton. He died 8/24/2011.

Sources:

Fr. Stephen Maguire

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1987
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Named publicly as accused by the Archdiocese on its list 4/26/2019. Removed from ministry. Laicization process pending.

Sources:

Archdiocese of New York List 04.26.19

Fr. Sylvester J. Holbel

Ordained: 1928
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Monsignor. Assigned to St. Mary of the Angels, Olean, All Saints in Buffalo, then named pastor of Nativity of Our Lord in Orchard Park in 1960. Superintendent of Diocesan schools 1941-1961. Retired in 1978. Died 9/10/1983, age 80. Accused publicly in 3/2018 of sexually abusing a male minor. Not on the Diocese's 3/20/2018 list of "removed, retired, or having left ministry after allegations of sexual abuse of a minor." The list included deceased clergy only if they were the subject of more than one accusation. Holbel's accuser said he was invited by the Diocese to participate in a reconciliation and compensation program.

Sources:

Fr. Terrence N. Niedbalski

Ordained: 1964
Status: Accused

Died: 7/10/1997
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Named publicly by the Diocese on its list in 10/2019 as having substantiated allegations against him of child sexual abuse. Noted to have been removed from ministry in 1975. Died 7/10/1997.

Sources:

Fr. Theodore Kocian/Kocjan

Donate Photo

Order: SAC
Ordained: 1957
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Also known as Thaddeus or Teodor F. Kocjan. Found in the Official Catholic Directory in the 1972-1979 volumes only (reflecting the years 1971-1978), with the Pallotines in North Tonawanda NY. Named publicly as credibly accused by the Buffalo diocese on its list updated 11/5/2018. Per the list in 11/2019, Kocian died in 1987.

Assignments:

BishopAccountability.org Assignment Record

Sources:

Fr. Thomas G. Gresock

Ordained: 1985
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Named publicly by the Diocese on its list 3/20/18 as removed, retired, or having left ministry after allegations of the sexual abuse of a minor. Listed in the 1988 Official Catholic Directory as working at St James church in Depew, NY. Allegedly molested a male high school freshman in 1987. The boy told two priests, who believed him. Gresock was allowed to stay in ministry until 1993. Multiple alleged victims. Named in a lawsuit in 2019 under the NY Child Victims Act. Case sent to Vatican. Living in 3/2020 across the street from a grade school and playground in North Tonawanda. Removed 5/1/2020 from the diocesan payroll as part of the diocese's bankruptcy agreement.

Assignments:

Jeff Anderson & Associates Assignment History

Sources:

Fr. Thomas J. McCarthy

Ordained: 1980
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

McCarthy retired suddenly in 2003 following a meeting with diocesan officials. He reportedly told some parishioners that he was retiring because the bishop wanted him to move to a larger parish and because of health problems. In early 9/2003 an anonymous flier circulated in the neighborhood around the church where McCarthy was assigned in the 1990s, urging parents to check with their children to see if they had been abused by McCarthy. His name was included on the Diocese's 3/20/2018 list as removed, retired, or having left ministry after allegations of the sexual abuse of a minor. The case was sent to the Vatican. He was removed from the diocesan payroll 5/1/2020 as part of a bankruptcy agreement. The Diocese's list in 9/2025 shows that McCarthy was sentenced to a life of prayer and penance.

Assignments:

Jeff Anderson & Associates Assignment History

Sources:

Fr. Thomas J. Wopperer

Ordained: 1964
Status: Unsubstantiated

Died: 8/21/2023
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Placed on leave in 9/2021 pending the investigation of an allegation of sexual abuse reportedly discovered in documents filed in the Diocese's bankruptcy case. Age 83 and retired when suspended. Wopperer denied the allegation. On 6/23/2022 the Diocese announced that the its review board found the allegation unsubstantiated and Wopperer was returned to ministry. He died 8/21/2023.

Sources:

Fr. Thomas L. Kemp

Ordained: 1952
Status: Accused

Died: 3/7/2019
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Named publicly by the Diocese on its list 3/20/2018 list as removed, retired, or having left ministry after allegations of the sexual abuse of a minor. Per the Diocese's list in 1/2022, Kemp was removed from ministry in 2004 and died 3/7/2019.

Assignments:

Sources:

Fr. Thomas N. Ciolino

Ordained: 1936
Status: Sued

Died: 4/13/1987
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Assigned to parishes Batavia, Buffalo, Fredonia, and Jamestown. Pastor in Lackawanna, Silver Creek, and Brant. Retired in 9/1986. Died 4/13/1987. Accused in a lawsuit(s) filed in 2020 under the NY Child Victims Act.

Sources:

Fr. Timothy James Kelley

Ordained: 1978
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Ordained for the Buffalo diocese. On leave from the priesthood 1986-2002 before receiving permission to return to active ministry. Per the NY AG in its 11/23/2020 complaint against the Buffalo diocese, Kelley [referred to as "Fr. L."] left ministry in FL for 16 years, working for a state child services agency. Named in a civil suit filed in 9/2003 in FL. Accused of the sexual abuse of a 13-year-old boy in 1983 during a trip from Buffalo to FL. Some dispute as to whether Kelley was part of the Buffalo diocese at time of abuse or St. Petersburg FL diocese. In 11/2003 a second man alleged abuse before Kelley left Buffalo. Kelley resigned. Included on the Diocese of Buffalo's 3/20/2018 list as removed, retired, or having left ministry after allegations of the sexual abuse of a minor.

Assignments:

Jeff Anderson & Associates Assignment History

Sources:

Fr. Valerio A. Bernardo

Ordained: 1925
Status: Sued

Died: 8/2/1979
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

From Italy. Arrived in the U.S. in 1919. Ordained for the Diocese of Buffalo in 1925. Parish priest, pastor. Died 8/2/1979. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 9/2019 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abusing a girl over several years, beginning when she was age 5 in 1964. The girl attended Holy Trinity church and school, where Bernardo was pastor 1945 -1974.

Sources:

Fr. Vincent P. Mooney

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1956
Status: Settled

Died: 1/5/1981
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

In 2018 a woman told the Diocese that Mooney raped her in the 1960s, when she was age 16 and he was assigned to Canisius High School. She was a Mt. St. Joseph's Academy student, grieving her father's death. She said she was sent to Mooney by a nun for counseling, and that Mooney attacked her after hearing her confession. She said she became pregnant as a result and her mother sent her for an abortion, which was illegal and almost killed her. Mooney was president of Canisius for most of the 1960s and 1970s. He died in 1981. The Jesuits offered the woman a settlement and counseling. Included on the Northeast Jesuits list of credibly accused 1/15/2019. It notes reports of abuse of minors received in 2002 and 2018, occurring 1959-on and 1968-1970. Included on the Diocese of Buffalo's list of credibly accused.

Assignments:

Jesuits Northeast Province List 01.15.19

Sources:

Fr. William F.J. White

Ordained: 1968
Status: Sued

Died: 5/27/2016
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Accused by 11 men of abuse as teenagers 1961-1993. Suspended in 1993. The Diocese had complaints in 1979. There were more complaints in 1987 when a family reported that White tried to molest two brothers the night of their father's wake. White died in 2016. His name was included on the Diocese's 3/20/2018 list of credibly accused. A lawsuit filed in 8/2019 claims White raped two brothers and forced the boys to rape each other. The abuse allegedly began in 1982, when the boys were under age 11, and went on for almost 10 years. White allegedly plied the boys with alcohol and drugs and paid them to keep quiet. The family attended Annunciation parish in Black Rock. By 8/2021 White was named in lawsuits by 15 plaintiffs filed under the NY Child Victims Act.

Fr. William G. Ward

Ordained: 1950
Status: Sued

Died: 7/2/2008
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Named publicly as credibly accused by the Buffalo diocese on its list 3/20/2018. Ward died in 2008. Accused in a lawsuit in 8/2019. Included on the Raleigh diocese's list 10/22/2019; the 1951 Catholic Directory lists him as a Buffalo priest assigned to St. Leo's in Winston-Salem. The Raleigh list notes alleged abuse in 1955 outside the diocese, reported in 2019. Included on the Charlotte diocese's list 12/29/2019, which erroneously notes that Ward was ordained for the Raleigh diocese. Ward was ordained for Buffalo and spent 1950-1951 in the Diocese of Raleigh via the Buffalo diocese's Missionary Apostolate. He allegedly abused in NY 1955-1956 and 1966-1971. A lawsuit in 10/2019 claims abuse in the late 1960s-early 1970s of an altar boy in NY, age 12 or 13. A suit in 6/2021 claims abuse 1963-1967 of a NY minor, ages 13-17.

Assignments:

Sources:

Fr. William George Stanton

Ordained: 1949
Status: Sued

Died: 1/7/2004
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Monsignor. Named Buffalo Police chaplain in 1955. Parish priest, pastor, school teacher. Died 1/7/2004. Stanton was first named publicly as credibly accused of the sexual abuse of minors by the Diocese on its list updated 11/4/2018. Multiple allegations, most of abuse when he was vice-principal in the 1960s at Bishop Turner High School. In 1993 a former student alleged abuse, and another in 2008. Two men filed lawsuits after 2018 in the State Supreme Court alleging abuse at ages 14 and 15. Stanton was also accused of sexually abusing a girl, age 8, at a Newfane parish in the 1970s, and a boy, age 12, at a Niagara Falls parish in the early 1950s. The boy reportedly lost his hearing due to Stanton hitting him after the abuse. Named in a lawsuit under the NY Child Victims Act in 8/2019.

Sources:

Fr. William J. Connor

Donate Photo

Order: MSC
Ordained: 1955
Status: Sued

Died: 10/9/2004
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Teacher, parish priest, prison chaplain. Died in 2004. Per his obituary, Connor taught 1958-1972 at Sacred Heart Minor Seminary in Geneva IL, and later at Immaculate Heart High School in Watertown NY, for five years. He remained until his death in Watertown. He was the bishop's liason for the Charismatic Renewal 1974-1984, and chaplain 1983-2003 at the Watertown Correctional Facility. Connor retired in 2003 and died 10/09/ 2004. He was accused in a lawsuit(s) filed in 2020 under the NY Child Victims Act.

Assignments:

Horowitz Law Assignment Record

Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/2019 of sexually abusing a 7-year-old in about 1973-1974 at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Lancaster NY. Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis (Williamsville NY) ran the parish school, per the 1974 Official Catholic Directory.

Sources:

Buffalo News 08.14.19

Sr. Claudia

Donate Photo

Order: SSJ
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Accused in a lawsuit filed under the Child Victims' Act in 8/2019 of repeatedly molesting a child, beginning when he or she was age 6, in 1956-1958. Per the suit, Sr. Claudia was assigned to Ascension parish in North Tonawanda.

Sr. Veronica

Donate Photo

Order: OSF
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Named in a lawsuit filed on 1/23/2020 under the NY Child Victims Act by an 87-year-old man who claims Sisters Veronica and Mary, as well as Rev. Edmund O'Connor, sexually abused him beginning in 1940 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel parish and school in Silver Creek, when he was in the third through the eighth grades. The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis ran the school.

Sources:

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