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Diocese of Buffalo ACCUSED PRIESTS

In the past few years, there has been increasing legal activity concerning the Roman Catholic Church and sexual abuse claims against its dioceses. The sexual abuse victims that came forward are from all around the world and the US. Specifically, in the Diocese of Buffalo in New York, at least 175 of its priests are facing credible allegations of sexual abuse. 

Child sex abuse survivors have been able to speak up throughout New York due to the passage of the Child Victims Act that extended the statute of limitations for them to initiate lawsuits. Lawmakers extended the deadline for filing a claim even further due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The new cutoff is now 5 p.m. on August 14, 2021, meaning that if you suffered sexual abuse as a child within the Diocese of Buffalo, you can potentially bring a claim no matter how old you are or how long ago the abuse happened.

 Due to one child sex abuse survivor’s lawsuit, three priests are now on leave because of claims they sexually abused a boy during the 1990s. They all denied the accusations but are on leave pending the results of an investigation. The three clergies named in the lawsuit include Father Adolph Kowalczyk, pastor of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church in Orchard Park; Father Mieczyslaw “Matt” Nycz, pastor of SS. Peter and Paul in Williamsville; and Father Gregory Dobson. Dobson is retired but assists in different parishes throughout the diocese. 

In the lawsuit, a man who was a student at Sacred Heart School when the alleged abuse took place claims the three clergymen “coerced him to engage in sexual contact with other underage female students” while the priests filmed them. The lawsuit states the alleged abuse happened on school property and in “the confessional rooms.”

 In addition to the actual acts of sexual abuse, institutions have tried to cover up incidents of abuse and protect those clergy members who committed such heinous crimes. For example, in a November 2020 lawsuit, an investigation found that the Diocese of Buffalo and its two former leaders, Bishop Richard J. Malone and Auxiliary Bishop Edward M. Grosz, covered for more than two dozen priests accused of sexual abuse against children. The lawsuit claimed that Malone and Grosz classified the priests as “unassignable,” which allowed them to retire or take medical leave rather than referring them to a Vatican investigation, likely resulting in their removal from the priesthood.

 That same lawsuit from November 2020 also blasted the diocese for its careless handling of priests found to have molested children. As a result, the diocese asked eighteen priests to participate in a monitoring program that includes meeting monthly with a mental health caseworker, refraining from any type of ministry, counseling, participating in support groups, and supervision at family events involving children. Unfortunately, even after removal from ministry due to credible allegations, some priests have yet to sign on to the monitoring program.

 The Diocese of Buffalo’s bankruptcy filing on February 28, 2020, made it nearly impossible to reveal details about these cases publicly, mainly because bankruptcy court isn’t subject to the same rules of discovery and disclosure that exist for civil cases. Nevertheless, diocese officials asserted that bankruptcy was necessary to keep the diocese from dissolving while working to address the sex abuse cases in a way that would be equitable.

 The website for the Diocese of Buffalo includes a page called Abuse Response. There, you can find “Ways to Report Concerns,” and there are multiple contacts, including www.ReportBishopAbuse.org, or you can call 1-(800)-276-1562.

 If you or someone you know suffered child sexual abuse by a clergy member at the Diocese of Buffalo, please contact Herman Law today for a free consultation.

Status: Sued

 

Accused in a lawsuit filed in 10/19 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 in Tonawanda. The girl was a student. Another former student also sued in 2019, claiming Andrzejczuk molested her 1978-81 when she was ages 14-17. Andrzejzuk died in 2011.
Ordained: 1958
Status: Sued
 
Monsignor. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 7/20 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abusing a boy, age 12, in 1997. Per his obituary, assigned to St. John and Immaculate Conception parishes early in career, and, starting in 1966, taught for over ten years at Cardinal Mindszenty High School in Dunkirk. From 1978 until his death in 1/08/07 Attea was pastor of St. James in Jamestown. Member of the National Association of Pilot Priests (“Flying Padres”). Died in a plane crash.
Ordained: 1966
Status: Sued
 
In 1993 Aurelio admitted to sodomizing 3 boys, ages 12-14, 15-20 years prior. Acted with another priest, Bernard M. Mach. Both suspended. Claimed boys seduced him. Admitted to drinking alcohol and smoking pot with young boys. Also accused of abuse of another youth. Living in 2002 in Florida, no longer functioning as a priest. Died 8/26/09. Included on 3/20/18 diocesan list. One man alleging abuse by Aurelio at age 11 in 1968 filed suit in 2019 under the NY Child Victims Act.
Ordained: 1975
Status: Accused
 
Named publicly by the Buffalo diocese in 10/19 as having substantiated allegations against him of child sexual abuse. Left the Catholic priesthood in 1982. Became an Episcopal priest in 1984, “called” to a job in Bethlehem, PA. Living in 10/19 in Medellin, Colombia.
Ordained: 1953
Status: Sued
 
Died 9/6/92. Accused in a lawsuit(s) filed in 2020 under the NY Child Victims Act.
Ordained: 1964
Status: Accused
 
Died 1/4/19. Named in a lawsuit filed in 8/19 as having sexually abused a male student in the early to mid-1970s at St. Francis DeSales High School in Lockport, NY. Barkenquest’s accuser claims he told a school administrator at the time, but nothing was done. Added to the Lansing diocese’s list in 2020, where he worked 1991-2013; at least one credible allegation of abuse during his time in the diocese; was pastor of St. Rita’s in Clarklake.
Ordained: 1990
Status: Charged
 
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 Buffalo diocese’s list updated 11/5/18.
Ordained: 1936
Status: Sued
 
Accused in a 2019 lawsuit of the sexual abuse of a 13-year-old 1955-56. Baumgarten was assigned during the time of the alleged abuse to Nativity of Our Lord in Orchard Park and the Diocesan Preparatory Seminary. He died in 1989.
Ordained: 1968
Status: Settled
 
Removed in 2003. Accused of sexually abusing two teen boys and a boy age 10-11. Denied allegations. After publicity in 3/18 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. Included on 3/20/18 diocesan list. A third man, age 43, stated publicly 6/1/18 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. Lawsuit 8/19 claims abuse of 15-year-old boy in 1974 at Becker’s cabin. Plaintiff told the diocese in 9/07; diocese paying for counseling and meds since 2012. Becker living in Ft. Myers, FL in 2019. Case sent to the Vatican. By 3/20 15 men had claimed abuse as boys by Becker under the NY Child Victims Act. By 8/20, 20 suits. Removed from diocesan payroll 5/1/20 in bankruptcy agreement.
Ordained: 1925
Status: Sued
 
Died 8/2/79. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 9/19 under the NY Child Victims Act of 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 -74.
Ordained: 1988
Status: Sued
 
“Rumors” in 1994 by Bialkowski’s former pastor of a “love affair” with two teens. Police told diocese in 1995 they found Bialkowski with a 16-year-old boy in a car at night. Bishop Grosz was warned in the late ’90s that the priest took teen boys into his bedroom. Removed from St. John Gualbert parish in Cheektowaga in 2/11 after accused of touching the upper thigh of a teen and making suggestive comments to him 10 years prior. Diocese first said Bialkowski was on medical leave, then admitted in 3/11 that it was administrative leave. Two additional accusers had come forward as of 3/8/11. Included on 3/20/18 diocesan list. Found in 3/18 working as organist for a Lutheran church in Tonawanda. Lawsuit 8/19 claims sex abuse of a boy, age 8, 1999-2000, during counseling at St. John Gualbert. Removed 5/1/20 from diocesan payroll as part of bankruptcy agreement.
Ordained: 1956
Status: Settled
 
A lawsuit filed in Chicago in 3/95 alleged Biesinger sexually assaulted and abused a 15-year-old girl in 1974 on a trip to Chicago for drill team competition, and on other occasions. Biesinger resigned in 8/94 as pastor of a Cheektowaga parish, then retired. 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 7/22/12. Included on the 3/20/18 diocesan list as removed, retired, or having left ministry after allegations of sexual abuse of a minor.
Ordained: 1958
Status: Sued
 
Accused in a lawsuit filed under the NY Child Victims Act in 5/21 of sexually abusing a boy, age 7, repeatedly in 1977 at St. Bartholomew’s. Bissonette, however, was not assigned to St. Bartholomew’s until 1980. St. Bart’s pastor during the time of the alleged abuse was actually Joseph Friel, who has been accused of abuse of at least nine children. Bissonette was murdered in his rectory in 1987 by two teenage boys.
Ordained: 1965
Status: Accused
 
Named publicly by the diocese in 10/19 as having substantiated allegations against him of child sexual abuse. Died 10/22/84.v
Ordained: 1945
Status: Sued
 
Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/19 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. Brzezniak died 6/27/11.
Ordained: 1963
Status: Sued
 
Ordained for the Congregation of Jesus and Mary (Eudists). First named publicly as accused by the diocese in 11/18. A man reported in 2018 that he was molested by Burson as a Cardinal Dougherty High School student in 1979. Burson was librarian and vocations director at the school 1973-79.There were multiple incidents, per the man’s attorney. In residence at a Eudist facility in Lakeview NY 1980-81, affiliated with St. John’s parish in Buffalo in 1983, assigned to parishes in the Lafayette LA diocese 1984-94. Moved in 1996 to San Diego CA, assigned to a parish and chaplain at three hospitals. Retired 7/1/09. In residence at St. Patrick’s in Carlsbad until moving to a “board and care facility” in 2017. On Buffalo diocese’s list updated 11/5/18. Lawsuit filed 8/19.
Ordained: 1921
Status: Sued
 
Monsignor. From Ireland, where he was ordained. Arrived in the US shortly after ordination.Per his obituary, Campbell was assigned to Church of the Nativity in Buffalo 1921-23, then to St. John’s in Lockport. Pastor 1930-47 of St. Anthony’s in Lockport, pastor of St. Peter’s in Lewiston 1947-57, pastor of Our Lady of the Angels in Olean 1957 until his death 3/13/70. Accused in a 2020 lawsuit(s) filed under the NY Child Victims Act.
Ordained: 1936
Status: Sued
 
Accused in a lawsuit(s) filed in 2020 under the NY Child Victims Act. Died 4/13/87.
Status: Sued

 

Accused in a lawsuit(s) filed in 2020 under the NY Child Victims Act. Allegedly 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.
Ordained: 1954
Status: Accused
 
Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list updated 11/5/19. Multiple allegations, substantiated. Died 6/8/95.
Ordained: 1956
Status: Sued
 
Accused 3/23/18 of sexually abusing a boy age 15 in 1980 at St. Mary’s rectory in the small farming community of Pavilion NY. Conlin was pastor and sole priest at St. Mary’s from 1977 until his death 12/9/97. The boy reportedly told his mother that evening: ‘Mom, he was touching me everywhere, and he wouldn’t stop.’ The mother is said to have reported the abuse to the diocese. Conlin was not included on the list released by the Buffalo diocese on 3/20/18. Suit filed in 8/19 under the NY Child Victims Act.
Status: Sued

 

Accused in a lawsuit(s) filed in 2020 under the NY Child Victims Act.
Ordained: 1971
Status: Sued
 
Named publicly as accused by the Buffalo diocese on its list updated 11/5/18. Named as accused by Jesuits 1/15/19. Taught at Canisius High School 1965-68 and Canisius College 1981 for three years and again 1994-2002. Was at a retreat house in Syracuse 1985-1994. Removed 2002 after allegations to diocese of abuse of two girls, who were relatives,1972-75, while he was assigned to Fordham University. Reportedly also accused by a young woman who “encountered” him on a college campus. He acknowledged the abuse. Living at a retreat center since 2002 as of 1/19. Lawsuit filed in 2/19 by the two relatives Conroy admitted abusing. Sued also in 7/20.
Status: Accused

 

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese of Buffalo on its list updated 11/5/19. Multiple allegations. Left the Franciscans. Died in 2011.
Ordained: 1951
Status: Accused
 
Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list updated 11/5/18. Ordained a Franciscan priest. Began work in the Buffalo diocese in 1962. Taught and coached sports at Bishop Turner High School and assisted at St. Francis of Assisi parish. Incardinated into diocese in 1966. Pastored Sacred Heart in Portville and St. Anthony in Lackawanna. Retired in 1983. Musician. Involved in a number of organizations, including the Boys Club of America. Died 11/17/06.
Status: Sued

 

“Doc.” From Germany. Died 7/7/65 in Germany. Per his obituary, Cornelissen arrived in the U.S. in 1898, graduated St. Francis Seraphic College in Cincinnati OH in 1900, then studied in Louisville KY and Oldenburg IN. Taught in Cincinnati. After ordination (no date) was administrator of a Madison IN parish. Traveled around OH for three years, pastor of three mission parishes. Moved to Kansas City MO, was parish pastor and hospital and “insane asylum” chaplain. On Marriage Tribunal. Next at Catholic U. in WDC for doctorate, professor and rector of the College of the Holy Land. To Buffalo in 1920. Assisted at several parishes, then administrator for six years at St. Mary’s in Batavia. Faculty member for 25 years at the Little Seminary, then assistant at St. Mary of Sorrows. Retired and returned in 1958 to Germany. Accused in a lawsuit(s) filed in 2020 under the NY Child Victims Act.
Ordained: 1950
Status: Settled
 
Active priest in the Buffalo diocese until he retired in 1978 and moved to San Diego. Allegations of abuse in Buffalo surfaced in the mid-1990s. His name was on a 3/30/07 list of priests with credible allegations in the San Diego diocese. A civil suit filed in 2003 in CA named the San Diego and Buffalo dioceses, and alleged abuse for four years. Buffalo did not participate in payment of settlement with San Diego (but was released from suit). At least two other alleged victims in CA. Personnel file released 10/25/10. Included in 3/20/18 diocesan list as removed, retired, or having left ministry after allegations of sexual abuse of a minor. Listed as having died in 1991; diocesan list includes deceased priests only if they have more than one allegation.
Ordained: 1945
Status: Accused
 
Monsignor. Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list updated 11/5/19. Multiple allegations, substantiated. Died 4/15/06.
Ordained: 1956
Status: Accused
 
Ordained for the Oblates of Mary (O.M.I.). Became a diocesan priest in 1963. Assigned to Buffalo, Aurora, Jamestown and Batavia parishes. In 2018 it was reported publicly that Dewey was accused of having sexually abused 12-year-old a boy in Batavia, where the priest worked 1964-65. After the parents of another child alleged abuse by Dewey, he was moved to an Aurora parish. He is deceased.
Ordained: 1983
Status: Sued
 
Accused in a lawsuit filed by a man 5/24/21 under the NY Child Victims Act of encouraging him 1994-98 as an elementary school boy to engage in sexual acts with four girls “provided” by Dobson and two other priests, Revs. Adolph Kowalczyk and Mieczyslaw “Matt” Nycz. 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. Dobson was retired and assisting in parishes when placed on leave due to the allegations.The three priests denied “ever committing any acts of abuse.”
Ordained: 1966
Status: Accused
 
Retired 2010. Suspended in 10/18 pending investigation of a complaint of abuse. Assigned during career to parishes in Lackawanna, Sloan, North Tonawanda, Buffalo, Depew. Added to the diocese list 11/5/19. Multiple allegations, substantiated. Case to go to Rome. Removed from diocesan payroll 5/1/20 as part of bankruptcy agreement.
Ordained: 1962
Status: Sued
 
Monsignor. Pastor of St. Timothy’s in Tonawanda 1985 until he retired in 2008. Secretary to the auxiliary bishop McLaughlin beginning in 1963. Longtime director of the Apostleship of the Sea. Chaplain of Tonawanda police. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 1/20 of sexually assaulting a boy over an 18-month period in the mid-1980s.The abuse allegedly began in 1986 when the boy was age 13 and included oral sex and rape. Ducette died 4/12/16.
Ordained: 1966
Status: Accused
 
First revealed in 3/20/18 diocesan list as removed, retired, or having left ministry after allegations of sexual abuse of a minor. Working at St John Vianney in Orchard Park NY in 1988. Removed from diocesan payroll 5/1/20 as part of bankruptcy agreement.
Ordained: 1942
Status: Sued
 
Monsignor. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/19 under the NY Child Victims Act of molesting a child at St. Benedict’s in Bennington. Died 12/1/90.
Ordained: 1969
Status: Accused
 
First revealed in 3/20/18 diocesan list as removed, retired, or having left ministry after allegations of sexual abuse of a minor. Removed from ministry in 2018. Working 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 diocese in 2016 to hearing confessions and publicly celebrating mass after removal from ministry. Case sent to Vatican. Removed from diocesan payroll 5/1/20 as part of bankruptcy agreement.
Ordained: 1953
Status: Sued
 
Named publicly as credibly accused by the Jesuits Northeast Province on its list 1/15/19. Allegation of abuse in 1961 reported in 1961. Farrand admitted to the abuse. He reportedly was teaching at Canisius High School in Buffalo when the abuse occurred. He was transferred to Brooklyn Prep the same year, and went on to teach at other schools in NY, France and Puerto Rico. His last assignment 1976-97 was at Loyola School in NY. He died in 2003. Named in a lawsuit filed in 7/20.
Ordained: 1952
Status: Sued
 
Named in a lawsuit filed in 8/19 under the NY Child Victims Act. Two more lawsuits, filed in 7/20, claim Federico sexually abused boys while assigned to St. John’s in Jamestown. Also accused of abusing boys while pastor of Our Lady of Pompeii in Depew. Per two of the suits, Federico’s victims were abused at age 10, one in around 1976, the other around 1974. Federico was known for speaking out against pornography and obscenity in literature. He died 10/19/07.
Ordained: 1957
Status: Sued
 
Accused in a lawsuit filed under NY’s Child Victims Act in 8/19 of sexually abusing a 14-year-old 1976-77 while pastor of Sacred Heart in Portville. Fimbel died in 2011.
Ordained: 1963
Status: Sued
 
First revealed on 3/20/18 diocesan list as removed, retired, or having left ministry after allegations of sexual abuse of a minor. Died 1/25/02; diocesan list includes deceased priests only if they have more than one allegation. Sole priest at both St. John’s in Whitesville and Blessed Sacrament in Andover 1983-2002. By 8/20 named in 18 lawsuits under the NY Child Victims Act.
Ordained: 1972
Status: Sued
 
Buffalo priest. First named publicly as accused on 3/20/18 diocesan list. Worked in Erie diocese in 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; list included deceased priests only if they have more than one allegation. Working at St. Mary of the Assumption church in Lancaster NY in 1987-88. Named in 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. Faculties revoked 3/89. Suit filed 4/30/19. One alleged victim stated in 6/19 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 suit 8/19. Accuser said Freeman “brandished a .38 caliber pistol” during at least one abuse incident. By 1/20, named in lawsuits of abuse of at least seven minors.
Ordained: 1957
Status: Sued
 
Accused in 1970 of repeatedly molesting a teen boy at a West Seneca church. When the boy and his parents reported abuse to their pastor, he accused them of lying and threatened to excommunicate them. Civil suit filed 1994; dropped due to SOL. Friel died in 1995. Included on 3/20/18 diocesan list, which includes deceased priests only if they have more than one allegation against them. By 2/19 at least eight alleged victims had come forward. Three people, including the man whose suit was dropped in 1994, filed suit under the Child Victims Act in 8/19, claiming Friel abused them in the 1960s. Suit filed by a woman in 1/20, claiming Friel sexually abused her as a child at St. Patrick’s, where he was assigned in the late 1970s-early ’80s. She said he threatened her not to tell, that if she did “the devil would get her.” New suit filed 8/1/20 by a man, age 52, claiming abuse as a teen by Friel, Rev. Louis Hendricks and a Franciscan,” Bro. Dale”.
Ordained: 1963
Status: Sued
 
First revealed in 3/20/18 diocesan list as removed, retired, or having left ministry after allegations of sexual abuse of a minor. Listed in 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 9/19 lawsuit of assault, including sexual, of a boy, ages 17-18, at Ss. Peter and Paul 1985-86. Removed from the diocesan payroll 5/1/20 as part of a bankruptcy agreement.
Ordained: 1975
Status: Sued
 
Fronczyk aka Franczak aka Fronczak. Our Lady of Pompeii in Lancaster pastor when placed on leave in 10/15 for unspecified reasons. Denied misconduct. After a 6/18 publicity, 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 6/18, 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. Diocese said in 6/18 the allegations were substantiated. To remain on leave pending Vatican decision. Accused in a lawsuit 8/19 of abuse of a child, age 10-11, in 1986-88 while assigned to a Lockport parish. Removed from diocesan payroll 5/1/20 as part of a bankruptcy agreement.
Ordained: 1951
Status: Accused
 
Named publicly as credibly accused by the Jesuits Northeast Province on its list 1/15/19. Allegations received in 2009 of abuse in 1954 and 1965. Died in 1987.
Ordained: 1948
Status: Sued
 
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 1966-74. Pastor of Queen of Peace until 1978. Pastor of St. Stanislaus 1978 until his death 10/9/03. Accused in a lawsuit(s) filed in 2020 under the NY Child Victims Act.
Ordained: 1903
Status: Sued
 
Monsignor. From Turin, Italy. Arrived in the diocese in 1907. Pastor of Holy Cross for 54 years. Retired in 1968. Died 1/20/75. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/2019 of repeatedly molesting five-year-old boy at Holy Cross in 1948.
Ordained: 1974
Status: Sued
 
Named publicly as accused on the Buffalo diocese’s list updated 11/5/18. Assigned to St. Ann’s 1975-83. On the Northeast Province Jesuits list 1/15/19. It notes allegations received in 2011 of abuse 1977-78. He admitted the abuse. His victim was reportedly a male minor. Prefect of the Marshall Islands 4/93-12/07. Lawsuit in 8/19 claims abuse of a 13-year-old in the mid-1970s at St. Ann’s.
Ordained: 1953
Status: Sued
 
Monsignor. Accused in a lawsuit(s) filed in 2020 under the NY Child Victims Act. Died 9/4/02. Per his obituary, after ordination Graeber worked in Raleigh SC missions. Returned to Buffalo, assigned to parishes in Buffalo, Grand Island and Kenmore. Pastor of St. Andrew in Kenmore until he retired in 1998.
Ordained: 1956
Status: Sued
 
Monsignor. “Jerry.” Named publicly as accused on the diocese’s list updated 11/5/18 (name misspelled “Gerald.”) Bishop Turner High teacher, Boy Scout camp chaplain. Parish priest, including pastor of St. Barnabas 1976-90, and of SS. Peter and Paul in Hamburg 1990-99. Retired 1999. On diocese’s Cemetery Board, Finance Council, Priests’ Retirement Board. Board member Daybreak TV Productions and St. Francis High School in Athol Springs. Died 8/14/12. Named in a lawsuit in 8/19.
Ordained: 1985
Status: Sued
 
First revealed in 3/20/18 diocesan list as removed, retired, or having left ministry after allegations of sexual abuse of a minor. Listed in 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 3/20 across the street from a grade school and playground in North Tonawanda. Removed 5/1/20 from diocesan payroll as part of bankruptcy agreement.
Ordained: 1971
Status: Accused
 

In 7/21 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 was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the diocese in 1989 and retired in 2020. He denied the allegations. He took leave from active ministry pending an investigation.

Ordained: 1955
Status: Accused
 
Named publicly as accused in a 4/19 news report. Joined the Franciscan Order in 1950. Former principal of Archbishop Walsh High School. Director of youth retreats at Christ House in Lafayette, NJ 1969-74. Also had assignments in Washington D.C., Brookline, MA and Tampa, FL and Butler, NJ. Died 2/7/91.
Ordained: 1976
Status: Sued
 
Shown as accused by the diocese on its list 3/20/18. 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 7/20 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 abuse of boys while at Holy Family in Buffalo, his assignment after Most Precious Blood. Pastor in Cattaruagus in 1991, no longer in parishes after 1994.
Ordained: 1942
Status: Sued
 
Included 3/20/18 on the diocese’s list as removed, retired, or having left ministry after allegations of sexual abuse of a minor. Died in 1989; 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 8/19 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 9/19 of abuse of a boy, starting at age 10, 1978-81.
Ordained: 1948
Status: Sued
 
Monsignor. Accused in two lawsuits filed in 7/20 under the NY Child Victims Act. One plaintiff claims abuse by Hassler at age 5 in 1956, when he was a St. Mary of the Assumption Parish school student in Lancaster. Hassler died 6/22/86, per the 1987 Official Catholic Directory (a news outlet reported his death as in 1998).
Ordained: 1979
Status: Sued
 
First accused publicly on 3/20/18 diocesan list. In the early 1980s a woman told the diocese 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 1988 Official Catholic Directory as working at St. Vincent’s pairsh 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 8/19. Case sent to Vatican. Removed from diocesan payroll 5/1/20 as part of bankruptcy agreement.
Ordained: 1929
Status: Sued
 
Monsignor. First revealed on diocesan list 3/20/18 as removed, retired, or having left ministry after allegations of sexual abuse of a minor. First erroneously id’d as James F. Hayes. Died 11/30/88; diocesan list includes deceased priests only if they have more than one allegation. In 8/19 a woman filed suit under the Child Victims Act, claiming Hayes starting molesting her when she was age 8 at All Saints in Riverside, and continuing through her eighth grade year.
Ordained: 1963
Status: Sued
 
First named as accused on 3/20/18 diocesan list. Died in 1990 at age 53. Listed in 1988 Official Catholic Directory as working at St Patrick’s in Randolph, NY. Accused in three lawsuits filed in 8/19 under NY’s Child Victims Act. One claimed abuse 1964-66 of a boy ages 5-7, and again 1972-74, when the boy was ages 13-16. Another claimed abuse 1968-69 of a 10-year-old at St. Joseph’s Cathedral. The third claimed abuse of a child ages 6-10 at the Cathedral 1967-70. Accused in a suit filed 8/1/20 by a man, age 52, of abuse as teen by Hendricks, Rev. Joseph Friel, and a Franciscan named “Bro. Dale.”
Ordained: 1949
Status: Sued
 
Born Michael P. 6/28/1918 in Ireland and ordained there. Taught at St. Bernardine College in England until 1951, then retreat ministry in Australia. First indexed in1955 US.Official Catholic Directory, so may have arrived in U.S. (Buffalo NY) 1954. Had radio ministry, “Comfort My People” on Christian Broadcasting Network per 1979 news article. Accused publicly in 2015 of sex abuse of boy for five years, beginning 1973 when boy was age 10. Abuse said to have included oral sex, masturbation and attempted intercourse. Accuser said Hennessy was father figure who stepped in to help his single mom with her three children. Reportedly lawsuit v Buffalo diocese rejected due to SOL and man rejected 50k settlement offer. Accuser asked Pope Francis to investigate his case. Hennessy died 5/9/83 in Buffalo. Suit filed 8/19 under Child Victims Act.
Ordained: 1968
Status: Reinstated
 
Retired in 2017. Placed on leave in 6/18 after an allegation surfaced that he sexually assaulted an 8-year-old boy around 1985. Herberger strongly denied the allegation, saying he knew the boy because he would help the boy’s alcoholic and, at times, homeless, father. He said he was never alone with the boy. Returned to ministry in 12/18 after the diocese determined the allegations were not substantiated. His accuser filed a lawsuit in 8/19 under NY’s Child Victims Act. Herberger filed a defamation suit in 1/20.
Ordained: 1956
Status: Sued
 
Monsignor. First revealed on 3/20/18 diocesan list as removed, retired, or having left ministry after allegations of sexual abuse of a minor. Died in 2016; diocesan list includes deceased priests only if they have more than one allegation. Pastor 1983-97 of Most Precious Blood in Angola, NY. Accused in a suit filed in 8/19 of sexually abusing a child, age 9-10, during 1990-91.
Ordained: 1946
Status: Sued
 
First revealed on 3/20/18 diocesan list as removed, retired, or having left ministry after allegations of sexual abuse of a minor. Died in 2010; diocesan list includes deceased priests only if they have more than one allegation. Listed in 1988 Official Catholic Directory as retired. Per a 2019 lawsuit, abused an altar boy, age 9 or 10, 1948-49 at St. John’s in Jamestown.
Ordained: 1928
Status: Accused
 
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 1978. Died 9/10/83, age 80. Accused publicly in 3/18 of sexually abusing a male minor. Not on the diocese’s 3/20/18 list of ‘removed, retired, or having left ministry after allegations of sexual abuse of a minor.’ Diocese included deceased clergy only if they were the subject of more than one accusation. Accuser said he was invited by diocese to participate in reconciliation and compensation program.
Ordained: 1957
Status: Sued
 
Accused in a lawsuit filed in 2020 under the NY Child Victims Act. Left the priesthood at some point. Went on to work for the NY state Office of Mental Health. Died suddenly at age 69 11/27/02.
Ordained: 1962
Status: Settled
 
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 late 1980s of abuse of a boy at a Stone Mountain church. Interviewed by law enforcement but no charges due to statute of limitations. More accusations of abuse of boys by Idziak, including of the two brothers, beginning when they lived in NY. Sent to treatment in DC, then to the Paracletes in NM. Civil suit settled in 1992 for $570K. At least four known victims. One allegation of abuse of a boy at a WI high school in 1964. Laicized 1992, living in Albuquerque. Died in 1/17. Another lawsuit Spring 2017 alleged abuse of 12- to 15-year-old boy at Corpus Christi; settled 1/18. On Atlanta archdiocese’s list 11/6/18. Per suit filed 9/19, abused a boy, starting age 5, 1963-73.
Ordained: 1974
Status: Convicted
 
Charged in 2/04 with receiving child porn and storing it on a computer in the parish rectory. Placed on leave. Charges said he paid for access to child porn sites on 13 times 7/02-6/03. Pled guilty in 6/04 to possession of 144 pornographic images. Sentenced 2005 to 3 years 1 month in federal prison. Released 12/07. On the 3/20/18 diocesan list. Accused in a lawsuit filed under the NY Child Victims Act in 8/19 of abuse of a child, ages 10-11 in 1982-83, while assigned to St. Joseph’s School in Niagara Falls. Case sent to Vatican. Removed from diocesan payroll 5/1/20 as part of bankruptcy agreement.
Ordained: 1970
Status: Sued
 

Retired. The Diocese announced 6/28/18 that Ipolito’s name was added to its list of accused, and that he was on leave pending investigation. A lawsuit filed in 8/19 under the NY Child Victims Act claims Ipolito abused a teenage boy in Toronto in 1975. The priest allegedly had taken the boy to a Beach Boys concert, plied him with alcohol and molested him at a hotel. A second suit claimed Ipolito fondled a 13-year-old boy in 1981 or 1982 at St. Vincent de Paul in North Evans. Ipolito was removed from the diocesan payroll 5/1/20 as part of a bankruptcy agreement. A lawsuit in 6/20 against the Boy Scouts alleges abuse by Ipolito, who was a Scout leader. Ipolito denied all allegations. Reportedly in 7/21, Ipolito was refusing to participate in the diocese’s monitoring program for priests against whom there were substantiated allegations.

Ordained: 1957
Status: Sued
 
First revealed on diocesan list 3/20/18 as removed, retired, or having left ministry after allegations of sexual abuse of a minor. Died in 1983; diocesan list includes deceased priests only if they have more than one allegation. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/19 of sexually abusing a child, age 8-9, in 1982-83. The child was involved in activities at St. Stanislaus.
Ordained: 1968
Status: Convicted
 
Arrested 6/7/86, charged with sexually assaulting two boys, ages 15 and 18, at a cabin. Charges included sodomy, sexual abuse, and unlawful dealing with a child. Pled guilty to a misdemeanor charge of first-degree attempted sexual abuse in 8/86; sentenced in 12/86 to five years probation. Laicized 1988. Included on 3/20/18 diocesan list. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/19 of “unpermitted sexual contact” with a St. John Gualbert in Cheektowaga altar boy, ages 11-14, in 1972-75. A 12/19 lawsuit claimed sexual assault, rape and battery of a boy at St. John’s rectory in Sinclairville on 5/17/69. Living in VA in 2019
Ordained: 1964
Status: Sued
 
Ordained for the Servants of the Paraclete, later a priest of the Buffalo diocese. Died in 1988. In 2002 a man told a news outlet that Judd abused him when he was a student at St. Teresa’s Elementary School in South Buffalo in the summer of 1975. Named as accused in 3/03 by the Tucson diocese. Lived in Tucson in the early 1970s, assigned to Salpointe Catholic High School and two parishes. On Buffalo diocese’s 3/20/18 list. Accused in lawsuits under the NY Child Victims Act in 8/19 of: abuse 1977-78 of a 14-year-old who attended Nativity of the BVM; arranging for three teen boys to have sex with an older girl in the rectory of St. Teresa’s in Niagara Falls and participating; abuse, along with Fr. Basil Ormsby, of a 13-year-old at St. Teresa’s in South Buffalo in the mid-1970s.
Ordained: 1976
Status: Accused
 
Placed on leave in 10/18 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 5/19 that the allegations were determined to be substantiated. Case to be reviewed by the Vatican. Removed from diocesan payroll 5/1/20 as part of bankruptcy agreement.
Ordained: 1997
Status: Reinstated
 
Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia. Placed on leave in 3/20 due to an allegation of sexual misconduct involving a male minor in 2011. Karalus allegedly used inappropriate words during confession. Karalus emphatically denied the allegation. The diocese announced 5/28/20 that the Diocesan Review Board found the allegation to be unsubstantiated, and the D.A. found no basis to file charges. Karalus was returned to active ministry.
Ordained: 1951
Status: Sued
 
Monsignor. Died 6/3/01. Accused in a 2019 lawsuit of sexually abusing a 12-year-old for about a year, beginning in 1975. His alleged victim attended St. Casimir parish in Kaisertown.
Status: Sued

 

Accused in a lawsuit(s) filed in 2020 under the NY Child Victims Act.
Ordained: 1975
Status: Accused
 
Named publicly as accused on the Buffalo diocese’s list updated 11/5/18.
Ordained: 1978
Status: Sued
 
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 11/23/20 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 9/03 in FL. Accused of abuse of a 13-year-old youth in 1983 during 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 11/03 a second man alleged abuse before Kelley left Buffalo. Kelley resigned. Included on 3/20/18 diocesan list as removed, retired, or having left ministry after allegations of sexual abuse of a minor.
Ordained: 1962
Status: Accused
 

Monsignor. Accused in two lawsuits filed in 6/21 under the NY Child Victims Act. Placed on leave 6/30/21. One of the complaints alleged that Kelly sexually abused a child 2005-07, while assigned to St. Margaret’s in North Buffalo. The other alleged abuse of a boy, ages 8-10, during 1980-82. Kelly denied the allegations.

Ordained: 1952
Status: Accused
 
First revealed in 3/20/18 diocesan list as removed, retired, or having left ministry after allegations of sexual abuse of a minor. Listed in 1988 Official Catholic Directory as working at St Mary’s in Silver Springs NY.
Ordained: 1951
Status: Sued
 
Accused in a lawsuit filed 8/19 of sexually abusing a child, about age 6, for about a year in 1971. Pastor in 1971 of St. Rose of Lima in Forestville. Named monsignor in 1981. Retired in 1995. Died in 2009.
Accordion Content
Ordained: 1954
Status: Sued
 
First revealed in 3/20/18 diocesan list as removed, retired, or having left ministry after allegations of 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 1988 Official Catholic Directory as working at St Bridget’s in Bergen NY. In 4/18 a 68-year-old man alleged publicly that Keppeler abused him and other boys throughout his high school years at Notre Dame High School, where the priest was Dean of Boys. Accused in a 7/21 lawsuit of sexually abusing a boy, ages 10-15, during 1985-90 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.
Ordained: 1918
Status: Accused
 
Monsignor. Pastor for 45 years of St. John the Baptist parish in Kenmore. Died 9/16/72. Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list updated 11/5/19. It notes multiple substantiated allegations.
Status: Accused

 

Named publicly as accused on the Buffalo diocese’s list updated 11/5/18.
 
Ordained: 1965
Status: Accused
 
Named publicly as accused on the Buffalo diocese’s list updated 11/5/18.
Ordained: 1973
Status: Sued
 
Assigned to parishes in South Buffalo, Buffalo and Tonawanda. Left the Catholic priesthood in 1976, married in 1979. Accused in a 7/19 lawsuit of sexually abusing children and at least one adult; was reportedly sent to Canada for treatment. One woman said he raped her at age19 in 1971 at St. Amelia’s in Tonawanda, as a seminarian. Another claimed he sexually abuse her beginning when she was age 16 and attending St. Amelia’s. Associate pastor at a United Methodist church in the mid-1980s and Protestant chaplain at Syracuse U. in the late 1980s. Became an Episcopalian priest in 1990. Moved to CA. Rector of a church and school in L.A. 2005-13. Active Episcopal priest at a Palm Springs parish in 7/19.
Ordained: 1952
Status: Sued
 
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. Died 8/24/11.
Ordained: 1963
Status: Accused
 
Named publicly as accused by the Diocese of Buffalo on its list updated 11/5/19. Multiple allegations. Died 6/19/08.
Ordained: 1949
Status: Sued
 
Accused in a lawsuit filed in 12/19 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abusing a boy, ages 7-17, in 1973-83. Lehmkuhl taught at Canisius College 1956-87. He is referred to in the suit as having been a family friend and a father figure and spiritual leader for the boy. Lehmkuhl died in 1995.
Ordained: 1971
Status: Reinstated
 
Monsignor. Former president-rector of Christ the King Seminary. Suspended in 11/18, six months after the diocese received an allegation that Leising sexually abused a girl in the 1980s. His accuser also claimed abuse by Fr. Fabian Maryanski. She said was at a party in the rectory with Maryanski when Leising hugged her goodby then shoved his tongue down her throat. Leising denied the allegation and said it was the girl who put her tongue in his mouth. Leising returned to ministry in 12/18 after the diocese determined that the allegations had “not been substantiated.”
Ordained: 1954
Status: Sued
 
First named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 3/20/18. Noted to have died in 1982; diocesan list includes deceased priests only if they have more than one allegation. Accused in a 10/19 lawsuit of abuse of a boy, ages 13-14, at Ss. Peter and Paul in Jamestown, where Lewandowski was assigned in the early 1960s. Suit filed in 7/20 claims abuse 1962-63 of another child, ages 13-14. New suit in 12/20, claiming abuse of a boy, age 14, in 1960.
Ordained: 1975
Status: Accused
 
Taught at St. Francis High School in Hamburg and Cardinal O’Hara High in Tonawanda variously during 1976-1991. Worked in Altoona diocese beginning 1997. In 5/14, the order told Altoona that Lewandowski was the subject of an allegation of sexual misconduct with a minor in the 1980s [likely in Buffalo]. Removed by Altoona from St. Anne’s in Davidsville, pending an investigation. Civil authorities notified. At some point, he also worked in the Springfield, MA diocese. A 2019 lawsuit claims abuse by the priest of a St. Francis High student starting in 1979. Plaintiff said the priest would fondle him while they wrestled and would ply him with alcohol. The man said he told the principal of the abuse at the time, but no action.
Ordained: 1951
Status: Sued
 
Accused in a lawsuit(w) filed in 2020 under the NY Child Victims Act. Assigned to parishes in Hinsdale, Lackawanna, Buffalo. Chaplain beginning 1959 for the Felician Sisters Motherhouse. Named pastor in 1967 of Sacred Heart in Bennington Center. Pastor of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Cheektowaga 1976 until retiring in 1991. Died 5/23/11, age 86.
Ordained: 1970
Status: Sued
 
Pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help when accused in a lawsuit filed 7/30/20 of “unpermitted sexual contact” with a girl, ages 13-14, 1975-76. 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 9/20, Lutz was allowed to remain in ministry despite the allegation. A second woman also claimed abuse as a minor in the 1970s. In 10/20 Lutz was placed on leave pending investigation of the allegations.
Status: Sued

 

Accused in a lawsuit(s) filed in 2020 under the NY Child Victims Act.
Ordained: 1964
Status: Settled
 
Accused of fondling a 12-year-old boy in Fall 1991. In 1/93 parents met with Mach and in 3/93 with chancellor. Civil suit filed 1993 when diocese failed to pay for counseling. Placed on leave 12/93. Also accused, along with Fr. John Aurelio, of abuse of three others. Civil suit settled confidentially in 1998. Lived in FL without privileges. Died 2/17/04. Included on 3/20/18 diocesan list. Died in 2004; list includes deceased priests only if they have more than one allegation. Named in 4/30/19 suit. A suit 8/19 claims abuse of a 7-year-old at St. Gerard’s in 1974.
Ordained: 1987
Status: Accused
 
Named publicly as accused by the archdiocese on its list 4/26/19. Removed from ministry. Laicization process pending.
Ordained: 1958
Status: Sued
 
Accused in a lawsuit(s) filed in 2020 under the NY Child Victims Act. Director at some point of Our Lady of Fatima Shrine in Lewiston NY. Also worked in San Diego CA, Ontario Canada, Pala CA, and Campo CA. From 2008 until his death 2/15/18 assigned to the Barnabite Spiritual Center in Bethlehem PA and assisted in parishes in the Allentown Diocese and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
Ordained: 1963
Status: Sued
 
Placed on “medical leave” in 10/93 after accused of sexually abusing a boy, age 8-12, beginning in 1974, when working as a religion teacher at Notre Dame High School. In 2002 Martlock was retired, living out of state and not functioning as a priest. He died in 2014. Included on 3/20/18 diocesan list. List included deceased priests only if they had more than one allegation. In 9/18 a Buffalo deacon said that he was sexually abused by Martlock at age 16 in 1970. He said Rev. Mark Friel also abused him. Accused in a 1/20 lawsuit of abusing an altar boy in beginning in 1968 when the boy was age 8 and Loville was assigned to St. Christopher’s in Tonawanda.
Ordained: 1971
Status: Settled
 
Retired 2014. Per 5/18 news, investigated by diocese and placed on leave in 1995 for alleged abuse of a teen girl in the 1980s. ‘Absent on Leave’ for 5 years yet resided and said mass at St. Mary’s in Medina. Assigned in 2000 to a Cheektowaga parish, then pastor of St. Andrew’s in Sloan. Suspended the day after news report. Bishop said he would reopen the investigation. Abuse allegedly when Maryanski was pastor of St. Patrick’s in Barker, and the girl was ages 15-22. She said he gave her gifts, promised to marry her, and threw her to the ground when she said she was going to tell another priest. He acknowledged sex with her but denied it was when she was a minor. Settlement offered 12/18. Per 6/18 news, Maryanski recently investigated by DA after a complaint from a schoolgirl in 1/18. Behavior deemed “creepy,” not criminal. In 12/18 diocese said allegations substantiated. Added to diocese’s list 1/7/19. Removed from diocesan payroll 5/1/20 as part of bankruptcy agreement
Ordained: 2021
Status: Sued
 
Accused in a lawsuit(s) filed in 2020 under the NY Child Victims Act.
Ordained: 1958
Status: Sued
 
St. Bonaventure University faculty member. Involved in Marriage Encounter, chaplain for the Franciscan Brothers in Smithtown, Mission Band member. Died 6/13/84, age 54. Accused in a lawsuit(s) filed in 2020 under the NY Child Victims Act.
Status: Accused

 

Named publicly as accused by the Buffalo diocese on its list updated 11/05/18. Included on the Atlanta archdiocese’s list 4/1/19. Died in 2018.
 
Ordained: 1947
Status: Sued
 
Accused in a lawsuit filed under the NY Child Victims Act in 11/19 of sexually abusing a boy, age 10, beginning in 1973 and continuing for three years. McCarthy was pastor of St. Stephen’s during the alleged abuse, and his accuser was an altar boy. McCarthy is deceased.
Ordained: 1959
Status: Accused
 

Monsignor. Accused in a lawsuit filed under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abusing a girl at St. Matthew’s in the early 1980s. Placed on leave in 7/21 pending investigation. McCarthy denied the abuse.

Ordained: 1980
Status: Accused
 
McCarthy retired suddenly in 2003 following a meeting with diocesan officials. He reportedly told some parishioners that he was retiring because Bishop wanted him to move to larger parish and because of health problems. In early 9/03 an anonymous flier circulated in the neighborhood around the church where McCarthy served in the 1990s, urging parents to check with their children to see if they had been abused by McCarthy. Included on 3/20/18 diocesan list as removed, retired, or having left ministry after allegations of sexual abuse of a minor. Case sent to Vatican. Removed from diocesan payroll 5/1/20 as part of bankruptcy agreement.
Ordained: 1927
Status: Accused
 
Named publicly as accused on the diocese’s list updated 11/5/18. It notes his death as having been in 1997. This appears to be an error. No Buffalo priest by that name found in the Official Catholic Directory in the years just prior to 1997 or in Necrology. A Francis W. McKenna was ordained for Buffalo in 1927 and died in 1977. Pastor of All Saints and Holy Family in Buffalo. Pastored St. John de LaSalle in Niagara Falls from 1944 until his retirement in 1972. Died 1/3/77.
Ordained: 1950
Status: Sued
 
Monsignor. Assigned to parishes in Cattaraugus, Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Lockport. Pastor of St. Anthony in Farnham for six years. Pastor of St. Gregory the Great 1974 until his death 12/10/93, age 68. Accused in a lawsuit(s) filed in 2020 under the NY Child Victims Act.
Ordained: 1936
Status: Sued
 
Monsignor. Administrator of Our Lady of Victory Homes of Charities for thirty years. Had also been Diocesan Youth Director. In 2019 a man, age 75, went public with claims that McPherson sexually abused him beginning on his 8th birthday in 1951, at St. Joseph’s Male Orphan Asylum in Lackawanna. The man said he tried to report the abuse in 1993 and 2013 and again in 5/18. He flied suit in 2/20 under the NY Child Victims Act. Another man also sued in 2/20, claiming McPherson plied him with alcohol and molested him 1966-67 when he was ages 14-15 and living at a Baker Hall, which was a residential school for troubled youth. McPherson died in 11/26/82 at age 73.
Ordained: 1975
Status: Sued
 
Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/19 of sexually abusing a 7-year-old boy, along with Revs. Aurelian Brzezniak and James Smyka, 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. Mendola died 5/18/95 at age 47.
Ordained: 1976
Status: Accused
 
Suspended 9/18 after an unspecified complaint of abuse. Pastor of Holy Name of Mary in Ellicottville since 1994. Was “unnamed priest” reported by news outlet 9/12/18 who was accused by a woman in 2002 of “making her sons parade around in their underwear.” The Diocesan Review Board determined that the claims were substantiated in 3/19. Case to be reviewed by the Vatican. Removed from diocesan payroll 5/1/20 as part of bankruptcy agreement.
Ordained: 1956
Status: Settled
 
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. On the Northeast Jesuits list of credibly accused 1/15/19. It notes reports of abuse of minors received in 2002 and 2018, occurring 1959-on and 1968-70.
Ordained: 1969
Status: Sued
 
Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list updated 11/5/18. In 5/18 a woman told a news outlet that in the 1990s, when she was in her early 20s, Moss kissed her and exposed himself to her. She said she told the diocese years later, but nothing was done. Another woman said he “sexually attacked” her when she went to him for counseling. Moss died in 2018. Named in a lawsuit filed in 8/19 under the NY Child Victims Act.
Ordained: 1958
Status: Sued
 
Accused in a lawsuit filed in 2020 under the NY Child Victims Act. Not indexed or listed in the Official Catholic Directory after 2009.
Ordained: 1964
Status: Accused
 
Named publicly by the diocese in 10/19 as having substantiated allegations against him of child sexual abuse. Removed from ministry in 1975. Died 7/10/97.
Ordained: 1971
Status: Sued
 
Pastor of St. Stephen’s on Grand Island when accused by a man in his early 60s in a lawsuit 8/19 of raping and molesting him at age 11. Nogaro denied the allegations. Suspended. Retired. The man also accused Revs. Frank Tuchols, Peter Popadick and a “Fr. Mike,” as well as two teachers at St. Mary of Sorrows church and school. He said the abuse occurred at St. Mary’s and at Bishop Fallon High School. The accuser reportedly would not cooperate in the investigation; the Review Board deemed the allegations against Nogaro and Popadick unsubstantiated. Nogaro returned to ministry 1/17/20. On 1/23/20 a second lawsuit was filed, claiming Nogaro abused a boy, ages 10-12 in the 1990s.
Ordained: 2012
Status: Accused
 
Pastor of Our Lady Help of Christians in Cheektowaga when suspended from ministry in 8/19 after allegations of inappropriate contact with children and harassment of a seminarian. Reportedly to be sent to a treatment center for assessment. He denied the allegations.
Ordained: 1961
Status: Sued
 
Assistant priest then administrator in Buffalo and Niagara Falls parishes. Pastor of Our Lady of Loretto in Buffalo beginning in 1978. Pastor of Immaculate Conception in Ransomville 1988-2004. Retired in 2004. Died 5/28/09. Accused in a lawsuit(s) filed in 2020 under the NY Child Victims Act.
Ordained: 1994
Status: Sued
 
Accused in a lawsuit filed by a man 5/24/21 under the NY Child Victims Act of encouraging him 1994-98 as an elementary school boy 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.”

Ordained: 1967
Status: Accused
 
In 1/14 Order removed Nys from SS. Peter and Paul’s in Kiel, where he was working in retirement, after Provincial’s review of personnel files. Files revealed two complaint letters from parents re conduct with minors dating back to late 1960s-early 1970s, Per files, issues were addressed at the time but Nys was kept in ministry. After removal he was to reside in Milwaukee with the Order’s retired priests under supervision. In 12/16 a man told the Buffalo NY diocese that Nys abused him for two years in the early 1970s, beginning when the man was age 14. Nys was a teacher and administrator at Buffalo’s St. Mary’s High School. The man said he lived with Nys in the rectory due tp family issues, and that Nys repeatedly raped him. On Buffalo diocese’s list updated 11/5/18.
Ordained: 1907
Status: Sued
 
Accused by an 87-year-old man in a lawsuit filed in 1/20 under the NY Child Victims Act. The man claims that O’Connor and Sisters Mary and Veronica sexually abused him in the early 1940s at Our Lady of Mount Carmel church and school in Silver Creek, when he was in third through eighth grades. The school was run by the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis. O’Connor died 11/4/1959. Per his obituary, O’Connor was named pastor of the parish in 1912, and remained there for 47 years.
Ordained: 1942
Status: Sued
 
Monsignor. First revealed in 3/20/18 diocesan list as ‘removed, retired, or having left ministry after allegations of sexual abuse of a minor.’ Died in 1997; diocesan list includes deceased priests only if they have 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. Ormsby was at St Teresa’s in South Buffalo 1957-87, after working in 10 parishes in his first 15 years as a priest. Retired 1987. Monsignor 1988/1989. Died 6/14/97. Claims in a lawsuit 8/19 of abuse of a child, ages 9-12, 1950-53 in Cheektowaga.
Ordained: 1965
Status: Settled
 
Suspended in 2003. Admitted in 2/18 he abused “probably dozens” of adolescent boys in late 1970s-early ’80s. A man said Orsolits abused him during a ski trip in 1979 or ’80 at age 13 or 14. Orsoiits said he was sent to Canada for treatment in the 1980s by Bishop Head, then reassigned, including as a teacher at Walsh High School. Name on the diocese’s list 3/20/18. Suit filed in 8/19 under the NY Child Victims Act claimed abuse of a 13- or 14-year-old in 1968. Moved to another parish after the boy’s parents complained. Another suit alleged abuse of a boy early- to mid-1970s. Removed from diocesan payroll 5/1/20 in bankruptcy agreement. Suit in 6/20 against the Boy Scouts alleged abuse in 1966 by Orsolits, who was a Scout leader. By 8/20,16 suits were filed naming Orsolits under the NY Child Victims Act. Died 3/25/21.
Ordained: 1969
Status: Accused
 
Retired. Diocese announced 6/28/18 that Palys’s name was added to its list of accused, and that he was on leave pending investigation. Removed from diocesan payroll 5/1/20 as part of bankruptcy agreement.
Ordained: 1966
Status: Sued
 
First revealed in 3/20/18 diocesan list as removed, retired, or having left ministry after allegations of sexual abuse of a minor. Per Directories, ‘awaiting assignment’ 1985-86, ‘absent on leave’ 2002-03, then ‘retired.’ Removed from diocesan payroll 5/1/20 as part of bankruptcy agreement. A suit filed in 7/20 claims abuse 1973-74 of a 7- to 8-year-old.
Ordained: 1966
Status: Sued
 
Retired in 2002. Died 4/17/17. In 2018 a man reported to the diocese that Peter sexually abused him in the 1970s, when he was an 8-year-old altar boy at St. Edmund’s in Tonawanda. He said the abuse first occurred on a boat ride for altar boys on the Niagara River, with another man present. The man said Peter also abused him after mass when the priest insisted they take a shower together, and that the pastor knew and did nothing. He also alleged that Peter threatened to harm his brother if he told. Peter’s accuser said Bishop Grosz told him his complaint wasn’t valid, that he was the only person to complain, and “Let’s be real: he’s dead, he can’t defend himself.” Lawsuit filed 8/19.
Ordained: 1933
Status: Sued
 
Died 11/26/87. Accused in a lawsuit(s) filed in 2020 under the NY Child Victims Act.
Ordained: 1970
Status: Sued
 
Monsignor. Pastor of St. Aloysius Gonzaga when accused by a man in his early 60s in a lawsuit 8/19 of raping and molesting him at age 11. The man also accused Revs. Frank Tuchols, Paul Nogaro and a “Fr. Mike.” Popadick was secretary for former Bishop Head for over 20 years, until 1995. The man also claim molestation by two teachers at St. Mary of Sorrows church and school. He said the abuse occurred at St. Mary’s and at Bishop Fallon High School. Popadick was returned to ministry in 1/20. The accuser reportedly would not cooperate with the investigation and the Diocesan Review Board could not substantiate the allegations against Popadick and Nogaro.
Status: Sued

 

Accused in a lawsuit filed in 2020 under the NY Child Victims Act.
Status: Sued

 

Accused in a lawsuit filed in 2020 under the NY Child Victims Act.
Ordained: 1978
Status: Sued
 
In 4/18 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. Left priesthood 1999. Stayed in NC and was noted in 4/18 to be working as a “married Roman Catholic Priest,” although he was no longer in “the clerical state.” Also a volunteer counselor at an overnight camp for children run by the Buffalo diocese. Rappl’s accuser filed a complaint with the diocese 3/19/18. Accused in a lawsuit 8/19 of abuse of another child, age 12-14 in 1978-80 at St. Peter’s in Lewiston.
Ordained: 1938
Status: Sued
 
Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/19 under NY’s Child Victims Act of abusing a child, age12-13. Deceased.
Ordained: 1970
Status: Sued
 
Accused in a lawsuit in 1/20 of sexually abusing a 15-year-old in about 1972 at Holy Cross Church.
Ordained: 1971
Status: Sued
 
Suspended 3/26/18, accused of 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, 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. 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 5/18. 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 diocese in 6/18 claims unsubstantiated; Riter reinstated. New lawsuit 8/19 by first accuser under Child Victims Act. Riter died 2/8/20.
Ordained: 1949
Status: Sued
 
Accused in a lawsuit filed in 2020 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually assaulting a boy for two years, starting in 2001 when the boy was 11. Assigned at the time in question to Immaculate Conception Parish. In 9/20 a relative of Rodriguez said the priest was age 94, had dementia, and was living in a nursing home.
Ordained: 1960
Status: Sued
 
First publicly accused when included on diocese’s list of accused 3/20/18. Died in 2013; list includes deceased priests only if they have more than one allegation. Official Catholic Directory shows he was ‘absent on leave’ 1995-98, ‘retired’ 1998 on. Accused in a suit filed in 8/19 under the NY Child Victims Act of “unpermitted sexual conduct” 1982-86 of a child, ages 11-14. Plaintiff was involved with youth programs at St. Mary’s in Belmont. In 1995 another priest told chancery officials that Roy abused five siblings around 1984. Put on sick leave. Continued public ministry. By 12/20, accused in four lawsuits.
Ordained: 1947
Status: Sued
 
Accused in a lawsuit filed in 2020 under the NY Child Victims Act. Taught at Canisius College in Buffalo 1949-54 and 1967-81.Taught at LeMoyne College in Syracuse 1954-65. Retired in 1981. Transferred in retirement to LeMoyne. Died 5/16/89 at Murray-Weigel Hall at Fordham University.
Ordained: 1947
Status: Sued
 
Accused in a lawsuit filed in 2020 under the NY Child Victims Act. Taught at Canisius College in Buffalo 1949-54 and 1967-81.Taught at LeMoyne College in Syracuse 1954-65. Retired in 1981. Transferred in retirement to LeMoyne. Died 5/16/89 at Murray-Weigel Hall at Fordham University.
Status: Sued

 

Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/19 of abusing a male student at St. Francis High School in the 1980s. Rutter was a teacher at the school. He died in 2000 at age 51.
Ordained: 1955
Status: Accused
 
Monsignor. Superintendent of Catholic Schools 1975-81. Retired in 2001. Accused in 5/18 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 7/18. Accused by a woman in 5/19 of molesting her when she was ages 6-11 in the late 1950s.
Ordained: 1996
Status: Reinstated
 
Suspended in 11/18, over six months after the diocese received an allegation that Sajdak had sexually abused a boy. The abuse allegedly occurred over a 10-year period, beginning when the boy was ages 13 or 14. Per the diocese, his accuser is two and a half years younger than the priest and the “conduct” ended 15 years prior to his ordination. On recommendation of the Review Board 12/20/18, Sajdak was returned to active ministry.
Ordained: 1960
Status: Reinstated
 
Retired, living in a residence for priests in Depew. Suspended in 9/18 after the diocese received an allegation they he sexually abused a 12-year-old girl in the late 1960s, while he was assigned to Coronation of the BVM in Buffalo. Sardina denied the allegation. He did admit to having been sent to counseling over 10 years previously due to “consensual” sex he had with women. Allowed to return to active ministry in 3/19 after the Diocesan Review Board deemed the allegation unsubstantiated.
Ordained: 1952
Status: Sued
 
Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/20 of sexually abusing a child, ages 12-17, during 1962-68, while assigned to St. Mary’s in Dunkirk. Also accused of abusing a 13-year-old in 1965. Schenck died 5/20/75.
Ordained: 1935
Status: Sued
 
Monsignor. Civil suit reportedly filed in FL in late 2009 or early 2010 accuses Schieder of abuse in the Miami archdiocese. Dismissed. Included on 3/20/18 Buffalo diocesan list as removed, retired, or having left ministry after allegations of sexual abuse of a minor. Died in 1996. At least five alleged victims. Worked as parish priest and chancery official in Buffalo. National director of Catholic Youth of America in Washington DC and dean of theology at Marymount College in Arlington VA.There are several gaps in his assignment history. Died 6/12/96. Accused in lawsuit filed 8/19 of abuse of a boy at St. Andrew’s in Tonawanda NY 1968-70.
Ordained: 1966
Status: Accused
 
Accused at 3:00 pm on 3/30/18, Good Friday, outside the cathedral in Buffalo, of sexually assaulting a boy age 13 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 Schuster was not on its 3/20/19 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 7/23/07.
Ordained: 1964
Status: Accused
 
Worked in South Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Orchard Park and Sheridan parishes. On leave 1976. Died in 2006. In 3/18 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 n 8/19 lawsuit that he molested a 7-year-old in 1973 while assigned to St. Martin of Tours in South Buffalo.
Ordained: 1949
Status: Sued
 
Accused in a lawsuit filed in 2020 under the NY Child Victims Act. Spent many years as a priest in Brazil. Per the Official Catholic Directory, Sheridan was assigned 1972-81 to St. Mary’s in Buffalo (Broadway and Pine St.), where he was Rector 1975-81. Died 5/28/92.
Ordained: 2003
Status: Sued
 
Ordained at age 55 in 2003. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/20 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abusing boy, age 12, in 2009 at St. Stephen’s Elementary School on Grand Island. The alleged victim said that Shumway lured him into a church bathroom, where the abuse took place. Shumway died 6/12/19.
Ordained: 1970
Status: Sued
 
In an essay published in 7/18, a man wrote that Silverio molested him and his two brothers in the 1970s, beginning when Silverio was assigned to Holy Family parish in South Buffalo. Another man told a news source that he was abused at ages 7-9 by Silverio in the 1970s at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Niagara Falls, where SIlverio was assigned 1975-79. On leave of absence 1980, then left the priesthood. Went on to become executive director of AIDS Community Services then President and CEO of the nonprofit Evergreen Association, retiring in 2017. Accused in a lawsuit 8/19 of abusing a child ages 9-18, in 1973-82.
Status: Sued

 

Accused in a lawsuit filed under the Child Victims’ Act in 8/19 of repeatedly molesting a child, beginning when he or she was age 6, in 1956-58. The nun was assigned to Ascension parish in North Tonawanda.
Status: Sued
 
Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/19 under the NY Child Victims Act of abuse of a boy at Corpus Christi, in about 1956-57. The parish school was run by the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph.
Status: Sued

 

Named in a lawsuit filed in 1/20 under the NY Child Victims Act by an 87-year-old man who claims Sisters Mary and Veronica, as well as Rev. Edmund O’Connor, sexually abused him in the early 1940s at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel parish and school in Silver Creek when he was in third through eighth grades. The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis ran the school.
Status: Accused

 

In July 2018 a woman stated publicly that Sr. Pauline Terese abused her in 1955 when she was age 5 and a student at Christ the King School in Snyder. She said Terese told her she was retarded, and that she was terrified and wet her pants. She says that’s when the nun took her to the convent next door and raped her with a crucifix, saying it would cure her “from defiling God’s property.” Terese’s order, the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, said she left the congregation in 1982 and is deceased.
Status: Sued

 

Named in a lawsuit filed in 1/20 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 in the early 1940s at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel parish and school in Silver Creek, when he was in third through eighth grades. The Sister of the Third Order of St. Francis ran the school.
Ordained: 1959
Status: Sued
 
Named publicly as accused on the diocese’s list 2/11/19. It notes he died in 1976. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 9/19 under the NY Child Victims Act of molesting a 15-year-old boy 1964-65 while assigned to Immaculate Conception parish.
Ordained: 1971
Status: Sued
 
Suspended in 2011 after complaints about behavior toward a boy. Refused to stay away from the boy’s school. Sent to Vianney Center for treatment. In 11/12 given nursing home ministry by new bishop Malone. Reports 10/13 of inappropriately touching two young men there. Malone wrote glowing recommendations in 2015 and ’16 for Smith for work which would put him in contact with children. Found to be cruise ship chaplain 2018. Nephew said in 2/19 Smith abused him at age 9. Suit filed in 9/19 claimed abuse of boy, age 16, in 1976. Accused in 2003 of sex assault of seminarian, who told Aux. Bishop Grosz. Grosz allegedly blamed the seminarian for not locking his door, and warned him to keep quiet or he’d lose his vocation. Removed from diocesan payroll 5/1/29 in bankruptcy agreement.
Ordained: 1980
Status: Settled
 
First revealed in 3/20/18 diocesan list as removed, retired, or having left ministry after allegations of sexual abuse of a minor. Faculties were removed in 1985. Died in 1999 (age 45 or 46); diocesan list includes deceased priests only if they have more than one allegation. Reportedly, there was a small settlement with an alleged victim. Lawsuit filed 1/20 claims abuse of an altar boy, age 10, in the mid-1980s, and cover-up by then Vicar General and later Erie PA Bishop Donald Trautman. Erie diocese dropped from suit, as reported in 7/20.
Ordained: 1973
Status: Sued
 
First named publicly as accused by the Diocese of Buffalo on its updated list 11/5/18. Chaplain at St. Joseph’s Hospital and living at a parish in Syracuse 11/14-10/18. Taught at St. Francis High School in Hamburg for 11 years early in his career, then worked in Johnstown PA, Chicopee MA and Bridgeport CT. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/19 of sexually abusing a 7-year-old boy, along with Revs. Aurelian Brzezniak 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.
 
Ordained: 1934
Status: Accused
 
Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list updated 11/5/19. Multiple allegations. Snyder died in 2001.
Ordained: 1961
Status: Sued
 
Accused in a lawsuit(s) filed in 2020 under the NY Child Victims Act. Retired in 1993. First assigned to the Buffalo Missionary Apostolate at St. Mary’s in East Arcade. Chaplain summer of 1962 for the St. Vincent de Paul Health Camp. Assistant at parishes in Cheektowaga, Depew and Lackawanna. Pastor in French Creek and Panama, North Tonawanda and Cheektowaga. Died 2/25/17.
Ordained: 1970
Status: Settled
 
Bishop Head knew of allegations of abuse at a Jamestown parish in 1989; sent to treatment 6 months later. Returned to ministry. Accused in 1993 of abusing altar boy for 4 years in the 1970s; $150K settlement in 1994. Left priesthood after abuse reported 1993; moved to AK. Possibly in Naalehu HI as of 2011. Worked in HI parishes at some point. On 3/20/18 diocesan list. Settlement in 2016 for $1.5M with former Walsh High student claiming abuse by Spielman at ages 14-17. Said abused at school, other places in Buffalo, and in Honolulu diocese, and that other students were abused; also plied with alcohol and porn. Said staff at school were told, nothing done. Suit was v Buffalo and Honolulu dioceses, Walsh HS, and Southdown Institute in Toronto, where Spielman was treated 12/89-5/90 and in 1993. Named in 8/19 suit in NY.
Ordained: 1963
Status: Accused
 
Accused in 1986 of fondling a student at Bishop Timon High School in South Buffalo. Underwent inpatient treatment for 6 months and two years of outpatient treatment, then reassigned to Paterson, NJ. Removed from NJ assignment after 17 years in 2/03. Was to remain a Franciscan and live in a friary doing “internal work” after renewed complaints from family of the student. On Buffalo diocese’s list updated 11/5/18.
Ordained: 1972
Status: Accused
 
First revealed in 3/20/18 diocesan list as removed, retired, or having left ministry after allegations of sexual abuse of a minor. Per obit, joined the ‘Orthodox-Catholic Church of America’ (OCCA ) in 1989, via whom he worked as priest in NM. Died 4/10/10 in Albuquerque, NM.
Ordained: 1949
Status: Sued
 
Monsignor. Multiple allegations, most of abuse when vice-principal in the 1960s of Bishop Turner High School. In 1993 a man alleged abuse while a Turner student, another in 2008. First named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list updated 11/4/18. Died 1/7/04. Two men filed suits after 2018 in State Supreme Court alleging abuse at ages 14 and 15. Also accused of 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 8/19.
Ordained: 1970
Status: Reinstated
 
Retired. Diocese announced 6/28/18 that Stolinski’s name was added to its list of accused, and that he was on leave. No other details. Our working assumption is that the allegations are of child sexual abuse, since the list Stolinski’s name was added to was that of those accused of the sexual abuse of minors. Allowed to return to active ministry in 3/19 after the Diocesan Review Board deemed the allegations unsubstantiated.
Ordained: 1950
Status: Accused
 
Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list updated 11/5/18. Died 12/16/99.
Ordained: 1943
Status: Sued
 
Accused in a lawsuit(s) filed in 2020 under the NY Child Victims Act. Died 4/29/89.
Ordained: 1954
Status: Sued
 
Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/19 of molesting a boy over several years, beginning when the boy was age 16 in the 1960s and Tolczyk was principal of St. Francis High School. The boy was a student. Tolczyk died 9/6/13.
Status: Sued

 

Priest of the Congregation of Jesus and Mary (Eudists). Taught at Cardinal Dougherty High School 1963-69. A man stated publicly in 3/18 that Townsend sexually abused him over 5 years in the 1960s, starting when he was age 5. He said he reported the abuse to the diocese in 2006. A second man told a news outlet in 3/18 that Townsend also abused him, at ages 7 and 8. Report in 2008 to the Diocese of Manchester NH that Townsend sexually abused a child, ages 6 and 7, in a rectory parking lot in Farmington NH in Fall 1975 through early 1977. The diocese said he did not serve there. Name not found in the Official Catholic Directory. Townsend died in 1998. Lawsuit in 8/19 claimed abuse of a boy, ages 8-11, 1963-67 in Buffalo.
Ordained: 1971
Status: Sued
 
Accused by a man in his early 60s in a lawsuit 8/19 of raping and molesting him at age 10 or 11. The man also accused Revs. Peter Popadick, Paul Nogaro and a “Fr. Mike.” He also claimed molestation by two teachers at St. Mary of Sorrows church and school. He said the abuse occurred at St. Mary’s and at Bishop Fallon High School. In 1995 Tuchols was caught in a sting by the DEA buying crack cocaine. Working at the time as Childrens Hospital chaplain, and was previously a Catholic Charities’ marriage and family counselor.
Ordained: 1978
Status: Accused
 
Retired, in residence at St. Stephen’s on Grand Island when placed on leave in 4/18 due to allegations of past child sex abuse, dating to 1980 at Our Lady of Pompei in Depew. 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 6/18, the allegations against Venne were substantiated. To remain on leave pending determination by Vatican. Venne denied the allegations. Removed from diocesan payroll 5/1/20 in bankruptcy agreement. In 11/20 the Vatican suspended Venne for 7 years. Venne appealed the Vatican’s decision. Refusing in 6/21 to join the diocese’s monitoring program for credibly accused priests.
Ordained: 1933
Status: Settled
 
Army Chaplain 1942-45. Pastor of St.Mary’s in Strykersville and Annunciation in Elma. Established Queen of Heaven parish in West Seneca in 1955. Monsignor. In 2018 a woman alleged that when she was age 12 in 1970 Vogel sexually abused her in the rectory of Queen of Heaven. She said she told a nun, who was the school principal and that her parents told the assistant pastor. She said nothing was done. Vogel died in 1/19/88. Not on the diocese’s 3/20/18 list, which only included deceased clergy if they were the subject of more than one accusation. His accuser was offered a $75K settlement through its compensation program.
Ordained: 1942
Status: Sued
 
Monsignor. Accused in a lawsuit(s) filed in 2020 under the NY Child Victims Act. Died 11/11/04.
Ordained: 1936
Status: Sued
 
Monsignor. First revealed on 3/20/18 diocesan list as removed, retired, or having left ministry after allegations of sexual abuse of a minor. Died in 2002; diocesan list includes deceased priests only if they have more than one allegation. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/19 under the NY Child Victims Act of molesting a boy for a decade, beginning when the boy was age 12 in 1953 and Walker was assigned to St. Joseph’s in Fredonia.
Ordained: 1950
Status: Sued
 
Accused publicly by the Buffalo diocese on its l ist 3/20/18. Died in 2008. Named in a lawsuit in 8/19. Included on the Raleigh diocese’s list 10/22/19; 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. On the Charlotte diocese’s list 12/29/19. It notes that Ward was ordained for the Raleigh diocese, where worked briefly. By 1952 was working in the Diocese of Buffalo. Abuse alleged to have occurred in NY 1955-56 and 1966-71. Suit in 10/19 claims abuse late ’60s-early ’70s of an altar boy in NY, age 12 or 13. Suit in 6/21 claims abuse 1963-67 of a NY minor, ages 13-17.
Ordained: 1953
Status: Accused
 
Named publicly as accused on the diocese’s list updated 11/5/18. Died 12/9/17. Pled guilty to exposure in 9/94 after he was arrested during a crackdown on lewd behavior in a park. Fined. Placed on leave. Died 12/9/17.
Ordained: 1954
Status: Accused
 
Named publicly as accused in a news report 4/11/19. Worked at St. Bonaventure University as an administrator and teacher for 47 years. Died 1/7/02.
Ordained: 1968
Status: Sued
 
Accused by 11 men of abuse as teens 1961-93. Suspended in 1993. Diocese had complaints in 1979. More complaints in 1987 when family reported he tried to molest two brothers the night of their father’s wake. Included on 3/20/18 diocesan list. Died in 2016. Lawsuit filed 8/19 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. Allegedly plied the boys with alcohol and drugs and paid them to keep quiet. The family attended Annunciation parish in Black Rock. By 2/20 White was named in lawsuits by seven plaintiffs filed under the NY Child Victims Act.
Ordained: 1958
Status: Sued
 
Monsignor. Accused in a lawsuit(s) filed in 2020 under the NY Child Victims Act. First assignment was the missionary apostolate at Blessed Sacrament in Delevan. Helped out at Mother of Divine Grace in Cheektowaga, and was its associate director of summer schools. Assigned 1959-61 to a Buffalo parish, taught at Diocesan Prep Seminary 1961-68. St. John Vianeney Seminary spiritual director 1969-74. Briefly administrator of St. Mary’s in Pilion, then pastor 1975-82 of St. Joseph’s in Gowanda. St. Paul’s in Kenmore pastor 1982-1994. Named monsignor in 1984. Pastor 1995-2002 of St. Mary’s in Medina. Retired in 2002. Temp administrator 2004 of Immaculate Conception in East Bethany. Held chancery and community positions. Died 7/28/15.
Ordained: 1967
Status: Accused
 
Placed on Administrative Leave 5/10 after complaint that he sexually abused a 15- to 17-year-old boy 1968 -70. 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 Diocesan Review Board and Children’s Hospital chaplain. He retired in 2012. Allegations substantiated, per diocese in 12/18. On diocese’s list 1/19. Removed from diocesan payroll 5/1/20 as part of bankruptcy agreement.
Ordained: 1974
Status: Accused
 
Removed from his parish assignment in 8/03. He wrote in the parish bulletin that his removal was due to an alleged incident 16 years prior. Wood had previously worked as parochial vicar at another parish for 13 years before being transferred in 2001. Included on 3/20/18 diocesan list as removed, retired, or having left ministry after allegations of sexual abuse of a minor.
Ordained: 1953
Status: Sued
 
Born in Mexico, raised in Italy. Attended seminary in Italy and at St. Bonaventure University in Allegany 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 Sinclairille and St. Jude’s in Sardinia. Boy Scout leader for 17 years. Moderator of the Catholic Youth Organization for 15 years. Died 7/12/95. Accused in a lawsuit(s) filed in 2020 under the NY Child Victims Act.

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