Reverend Father Joseph J. Dascenzo, 88, of Baden passed away on Saturday, July 11, 2020 at the Concordia Villa St. Joseph.
Father Joe was born on February 29, 1932 in the Homewood section of Pittsburgh to the late Michael and Johanna (Morrisey) Dascenzo. Father Joe completed his course of study at the St. Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, Pa and was ordained a Priest on May 31, 1958. He had served as a Priest at the following assignment’s; Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish (June 12, 1958 – June 9, 1959) Parochial Vicar, Immaculate Conception Parish (June 10, 1959 – April 10, 1960) Parochial Vicar, Regina Coeli Parish (April 11, 1960 – July 27, 1964) Parochial Vicar, Mother of Good Counsel Parish (July 28, 1964 – January 30, 1968) Parochial Vicar, Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish (January 30, 1968 – September 19, 1968) Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament Parish (September 20, 1968 – October 24, 1974) Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament Parish (October 25, 1974 – October 14, 1980) Pastor, Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish (October 15, 1980 – October 26, 1992) Pastor, Saint Joseph Mission Parish (October 15, 1980 – October 26, 1992) Pastor, Saint John the Baptist Parish (October 26, 1992 – May 23, 1994) Administrator, Saint John the Baptist (May 23, 1994 – January 30, 2006) Pastor, and Chaplain for the Knights of Columbus October 3, 1994 – January 1, 1998. While serving at the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Ellwood City, Father Joe was instrumental in making numerous building improvements and starting several ministries to help serve the people of the Parish and community, most notably Social Services which began in the basement of the rectory which grew to serve all faiths and people in the area. As a priest Father Joe was always present to his people. A generous and kind man, he enjoyed people and when time allowed golfing.
Visitation will be held on Thursday at the Holy Redeemer Church from 6:00 pm until the time of the Vesper Service at 8:00 pm, and on Friday from 9:00 am until the time of the mass of Christian burial at 10:00 am with Bishop David Zubik officiating. Interment will be at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Pittsburgh. The funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc..
Memorial Contributions in Father Joe’s name may be made to the Holy Redeemer Angel Fund, Social Services.
Well Done Fr. Joe – you will be missed. God Bless You!
You will be missed Father. You are now in the light of Gods face. Thank you for all your teaching
Fr. Joe and I became friends from MGCS CYO. He married me and baptized all three children. Also married all three of my children. We all loved you father Joe. I will miss our talks. 😢 I k ow the blessed mother is with you now. Sissy (Alfreda Garland)
The world will be a lesser place without you, dear Fr. Joe. May God receive you into His Loving arms.
So sorry to have lost touch with you. My childhood memories of you, Dad, Uncle Rougie, Grandma D and Sister Blandina are with me always. Say hi to all!
Dennis
I’ve only discovered recently that Fr. Joseph’s grandfather was my granduncle – James Morrissey who emigrated from Abbeyfeale, Limerick, Ireland around 1890. I’d love to have known them, God rest all their souls. Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a hAnama Dhílis.