MSGR. JOHN C. KOLESAR

Msgr. Kolesar began his education at Anderson Elementary in Eastern (which was located between Amsterdam and Bergholz); Bergholz Elementary, Bergholz; and St. Joseph School, Amsterdam. Then, he entered St. John Vianney Seminary, Bloomingdale. He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in education from The College of Steubenville (now Franciscan University of Steubenville) and a master’s degree from Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan.

After being ordained on May 23, 1964, at St. Joseph Church, Amsterdam, by Bishop John King Mussio, Msgr. Kolesar was assigned as an instructor at Catholic Central High School, Steubenville. He taught religion, auto mechanics, and woodshop at the school until 1985.

Msgr. Kolesar’s first residence, after ordination to the priesthood, was at St. Joseph Parish, Toronto.

In addition, while an instructor at Catholic Central, he served as administrator of Nativity of Our Lord Mission, Hammondsville, and St. Bernadette Parish, Mingo Junction.

He was appointed pastor of St. Casimir Parish, Adena, in 1985.

On March 3, 1987, he was named a prelate of honor with the title of monsignor. In 2000, he also became the pastor of St. Adalbert Parish, Dillonvale. In 2004, while serving parishioners in Adena and Dillonvale, Msgr. Kolesar was appointed administrator of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Smithfield, and St. Therese Parish, Piney Fork.

While he served as director of the diocesan Respect Life program, Msgr. Kolesar traveled to an international Right to Life meeting as the representative for the diocese. He also has served as dean of Mother of God Deanery, 1978-2001, and dean of Presentation Deanery, 2002-09.

Msgr. Kolesar served for many years as the diocesan cemeteries director. He also served as a member of the diocesan Finance Council, Priests’ Personnel Board, Presbyteral Council, Board of Education, and the diocesan Catholic Charities Board.

On Aug. 22, 2022, Msgr. Kolesar retired from active ministry, but continued to reside at St. Casimir rectory. He celebrated Masses at St. Adalbert Church and St. Casimir Church until the end of January 2024.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Francis Paul Kolesar, who died in 2017 also niece Cheryl Kolesar.

He is survived by his sister, Dominican Sister of Peace Barbara Rose Kolesar; sister in law Helen Kolesar; nieces Sharon (David) Siegfried & Sheila (Jeff) Crawford; nephew David (Katrina) Kolesar; six great nephews and four great nieces.

Visitation will be held Monday from 3-6 pm at the Mosti Funeral Home, Sunset Chapel, 4435 Sunset Blvd., Steubenville. Additional visitation will be held Tuesday from 10 am until time of Mass at 11 am at St. Casimir Catholic Church, 221 Hanna Ave, Adena, OH 43901. Burial will follow in St. Casimir Church Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Casimir Monsignor Kolesar Memorial Fund in order to carry on his Legacy of Generosity. (Fund for retired Diocesan Priests and Religious residing in Nursing Home unable to pay for expenses associated with their basic personal needs. And also for struggling seminarians.) Mailing Address is, 221 Hanna Avenue, Adena OH 43901.

Offer condolences, www.mostifuneral home.com