Visitation for Father Ronald J. Szudarek, senior priest-retired, will be 5-8 p.m. June 10 at Golubski Funeral Home, 5986 Ridge Road, Parma.
Bishop Edward Malesic will preside at vespers at 3 p.m. June 11 in St. Colette Church, 330 W. 130th St., Brunswick. Father Jim Roach will be the homilist. Visitation will continue until 7 p.m. in the church.
Bishop Martin Amos, retired bishop of Davenport, Iowa, will be the principal celebrant at Father Szudarek’s funeral Mass at 11 a.m. June 12 in St. Colette Church. Father Bill Krizner will be the homilist.
Father Szudarek, 69, died on May 21.
He was the son of the late Stanley and Jean (Gos) Szudarek. Father Szudarek was educated at Immaculate Heart of Mary School and South High School, both in Cleveland; St. Mary College, Orchard Lake, Michigan; SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary, Orchard Lake, Michigan; and Saint Mary Seminary, Cleveland.
Bishop Anthony Pilla ordained him to the priesthood for service to the Diocese of Cleveland on June 13, 1981 in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist.
Father Szudarek’s first assignment was as parochial vicar of SS. Peter and Paul Parish in Garfield Heights. During that assignment, he served a three-year term, effective June 19, 1982, as chaplain, Catholic Committee on Scouting. In addition, he served as assistant chaplain, Knights of Columbus, Garfield Heights Council 4130, effective Aug. 7, 1985. On June 24, 1986, he was appointed parochial vicar of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Sheffield Lake.
Father Szudarek was transferred to serve as parochial vicar at Corpus Christi Parish in Cleveland on June 16, 1988. He served as administrator pro tem of Corpus Christi Parish from July 31, 1989 until May 31, 1991, when he was appointed pastor.
Father Szudarek retired on Sept. 15, 2008.
He was proud of his Polish heritage and was grateful for the opportunity to serve the Polish-American community throughout most of his ministry. Those who knew him said his devotion to the Blessed Mother gave him great strength as he dealt with many health issues.
Interment will be at St. Mary Cemetery in Cuyahoga Heights.