Father Joseph H. Piskura, 90, senior priest-retired, died on Nov. 26.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the family decided that Father Piskura would be buried privately at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman. A memorial Mass will be scheduled when the pandemic subsides.
Survivors include his great nephew, Father Allen Corrigan, pastor of St. Victor Parish in Richfield.
Father Piskura was born on Dec. 2, 1929 to the late John and Katherine (Kitko) Piskura. He was educated at St. Wendelin School and St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland; Sacred Heart Seminary, Detroit, Michigan; and Saint Mary Seminary, Cleveland.
He was ordained to the priesthood for service to the Diocese of Cleveland on Dec. 18, 1954, in the Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist by Archbishop Edward F. Hoban.
Father Piskura’s first assignment was as parochial vicar of St. John the Baptist Parish in Akron. On June 21, 1960, he was transferred to SS. Cyril & Methodius Parish in Lakewood to serve as parochial vicar.
Father Piskura received permission on July 8, 1963 to serve as a chaplain in the United States Army, which he did for 30 years.
On March 3, 1993, he was assigned as parochial vicar of St. Margaret Mary Parish in South Euclid.
Father Piskura was released from diocesan assignment and given permission to accept assignment as a chaplain with the U.S. Army on June 20, 1995, serving for another five years, until he retired on Aug. 1, 2000.
Those who knew him said he loved being a priest, loved his country and was proud to serve as an Army chaplain for many years. In retirement, he generously offered his priestly ministry to anyone in need providing supply help and hearing confessions throughout the diocese. His generosity, faithful service, priestly witness, gentleness and infectious smile will be greatly missed, according to those who knew him.