[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 64 (Tuesday, May 8, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E721]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      REVEREND PATRICK J. GENELLO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LOU BARLETTA

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 8, 2012

  Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart as people 
in my hometown of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, mourn the loss of a beloved 
spiritual leader, the Rev. Patrick J. Genello.
  Father Pat, as he was known to the parishioners of Holy Rosary 
Parish, passed away unexpectedly, leaving a hole in the hearts of those 
who worshipped inside his church for the past 17 years.
  A son of the late Joseph and Arline Piazza Genello, Father Pat was 
born in Scranton on May 15, 1957. He received his early education at 
William Prescott School and graduated from Scranton Central High 
School. In 1975, Father Pat attended St. Pius X Seminary, and graduated 
from the University of Scranton in 1979 with a Bachelor of Arts degree 
in theology and philosophy. He completed his studies for the priesthood 
at St. John's Seminary in Brighton, Massachusetts, where he received a 
Master of Divinity degree in May 1983. He served his diaconate ministry 
at St. John the Evangelist Parish, Honesdale, from May 14, 1983, until 
his ordination. His Eminence, the late John Cardinal O'Connor, D.D. and 
Ph.D., who at the time was bishop of Scranton, ordained Father Pat into 
the priesthood on November 5, 1983, in St. Peter's Cathedral, Scranton.
  After his ordination, Father Pat received a degree in counseling from 
Marywood University.
  Father Pat first served as assistant pastor of Most Precious Blood 
Parish, Hazleton; then at St. Lucy's Parish, Scranton. He was appointed 
director of religious formation at Bishop Hannan High School, Scranton, 
on September 5, 1989. Father Pat was appointed pastor of Holy Rosary 
Parish in Hazleton on June 30, 1995, and that is where he remained 
until his death.
  In addition to his parochial duties, Father Pat was a dedicated 
student of Holy Scripture. He accompanied the late Rev. Robert J. 
Barone, S.T.D., and served as the videographer on many trips to the 
Holy Land and Middle East. He and Father Barone, with the help of the 
Diocese of Scranton's Catholic Television, produced the very popular 
``The World of Saint Paul'' television series.
  Father Pat played a substantial role in the Greater Hazleton 
community. He hosted dinners for the United Way at Thanksgiving and at 
Christmas in the parish hall. He served as chaplain for the Hazleton 
Fire Department. He was the driving force in establishing a September 
11, 2001, memorial on the parish grounds, and he conducted an annual 
service marking the event.
  As an avid New York Yankees fan, Father Pat would often conduct a 
post-game analysis of the game with his parishioners and friends. An 
accomplished musician specializing in the guitar, he loved music of all 
kinds.
  Father Pat remained close with members of his family, especially his 
niece, Maria, and nephew, Michael.
  Mr. SPEAKER, today, the Rev. Patrick J. Genello's entire family--both 
his biological family and his spiritual family--is shocked by his 
sudden passing. The Greater Hazleton area will miss his pastoral 
leadership, his religious knowledge, and his community spirit.

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