FATHER M. JOSEPH MINSTERMAN, 89, of Scottdale, retired Priest of the Diocese of Greensburg who celebrated the 55th Anniversary of his ordination earlier this year, passed away at 5:50 pm Wednesday evening, May 11, 2016 in the Select Specialty Care Center, Latrobe. Father Joseph was born June 20, 1926 in Scottdale, a son of the late Joseph S. and Susan Mary (Miller) Minsterman. A servant priest, who "served the people", he was quoted as saying. This best described his career, as an ordained priest.

Father Joseph attended the former St. John the Baptist School in Scottdale, graduated from East Huntingdon High School, Class of 1944, and served his country during WWII in the US Navy as a Fireman 2nd class. He was proud of his tour of duty aboard the USS Pennsylvania, the "Flagship of the 7th Fleet" in the South Pacific and Okinawa. While he was stationed there, it was torpedoed by the Japanese after being notified by Tokyo Rose. He returned home and was employed as a foundry worker for seven years at Scottdale Ozone and later as a truck driver for BF Goodrich where he visited all the continental states. He was a lifelong and faithful member of the Partner Parish of Saint John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church in Scottdale.
It was following his education at Boston College, St. Vincent College and St. Phillip Neri Seminary in Boston that his passion to serve was realized at St. Louis deMontfort Missionaries. He was ordained on February 25, 1961 and served as a priest and teacher at the New York Missionary and contributed as managing editor of the Montfort Magazine publication. His service continued as Associate Pastor at Our Lady Gate Church in Queens, NY, Our Lady of Grace Church in Noblesville, IN, and at Our Lady of Lords Church in Litchfield, CT.
In 1977, he began his work of service with the Greensburg Catholic Diocese at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church in Irwin where he served as parochial vicar. He was incarnated on November 26, 1983, Holy Family Church in Latrobe was his home starting in 1984, and then on to serve as First Pastorate at the Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in East Vandergrift on June 4, 1985. Following his retirement from active ministry on June 21, 2001, he continued assisting the Diocese at various local parish churches. He additionally served on the Diocese Finance Committee from 1986-1987.

Father Joseph will be sadly missed by his loving and devoted family; his sister, Susann T. Minsterman of Scottdale; his niece, Patricia A. Shaner and her husband Scott of Scottdale; his three nephews, Joseph M. Suitor and his wife Ruth of Dunbar, John W. Suitor and his wife Lori, and James A. Suitor and his wife Lori, all of Scottdale; numerous great nieces and great nephews; two great-great nieces; and two great-great nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his three sisters, Kathryn R. Suitor (1973), Jane E. Minsterman (2002), and Sister Mary Margaret Minsterman (2015); and a niece, Rose Suitor Prutz. He also wished to recognize his uncle, Michael Miller, who served as his fatherly figure.

Personalized arrangements are under the professional supervision of the ROBERT B. FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME, 105 SPRING STREET, SCOTTDALE (724-887-5300 / www.fergusonfunerals.com). Family and friends will be received from 6-8 PM Saturday and 2-4 PM Sunday in the funeral home chapel. Additional viewing will be from 6-7 PM Sunday in the Partner Parish of St. John the Baptist RC Church, Scottdale followed by an evening mass at 7 PM with Rev. Father Andrew Kawecki as celebrant. A Christian Funeral Mass will be held at 11 AM Monday, in the church, with The Most Reverend Edward C. Malseik, JCL, Bishop of the Diocese of Greensburg as celebrant and homilist. Graveside committal services will be in the church cemetery with full military honors bestowed by the Scottdale-Everson Funeral Detail. Love Lasts Forever!