Reverend Stephen J. Emerick passed away on Saturday, July 8, 2023, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was born on July 27, 1926 in Dayton, Ohio, and baptized at St. Anthony Church, Dayton. Before entering the seminary, Father Emerick enlisted and served in the US Air Force, World War II, 1944-1945. He attended the University of Dayton and received a B.A. in 1949. He worked for the government in Dayton and Washington, D.C. from 1950-1951. He entered the seminary in 1952, studying philosophy and theology at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary of the West, Norwood, Ohio. He was ordained on May 31, 1958 at St. Peter in Chains Cathedral in Cincinnati, Ohio by Archbishop Karl J. Alter.
Father Emerick received his first assignment on June 20, 1958 as assistant at Holy Family Church, Dayton. On June 22, 1959, he was appointed assistant at St. Teresa Parish, Springfield, and to teach at Springfield Catholic High School. On October 25, 1963, he was appointed assistant at St. Vivian Parish, Cincinnati, and to teach at McAuley High School (1963-1966). He was appointed as assistant at St. Ann Parish, Groesbeck, on June 16, 1967. On June 19, 1974, he was appointed assistant at St. Albert the Great Parish, Kettering. Father Emerick was appointed pastor of St. Peter Parish, New Richmond, on June 20, 1975, and remained as pastor there until August 12, 1980, when he was appointed as associate chaplain of St. Theresa Home (for the Aged) in Cincinnati. On November 15, 1983, he was appointed chaplain of St. Theresa Home (for the Aged). Father Emerick retired from active ministry on July 31, 2008.
Reception of the Body: Monday, July 17, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Church, 10010 Carolina Trace, Harrison, Ohio 45030; 513-367-9086. Celebrant: Reverend Paul A. Ruwe. Visitation: until the Mass of Christian Burial.
Mass of Christian Burial: Monday, July 17, 2023, at 10:15 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Church, Harrison. Celebrant: Most Reverend Dennis M. Schnurr. Homilist: Reverend Michael L. Cordier.
Burial: Thursday, July 20, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 11000 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45249. Celebrant: Reverend Steve J. Angi.
Associates of the Marian Pact are asked to offer, as soon as possible, one Mass for the repose of the soul of Father Emerick, and when convenient, to provide for the celebration of two other Masses.
May God welcome His faithful servant to his eternal home in heaven. May he rest in peace. Amen.
