Buffalo, N.Y., July 13, 2023 – Rev. Msgr. Dino Lorenzetti, the eldest priest in the Diocese of Buffalo, died yesterday, July 12, 2023. Msgr. Lorenzetti, a priest for 70 years, would have celebrated his 102nd birthday on July 23.
Born in Buffalo, the son of Italian immigrants, he was a graduate of Hutchinson Central High School. He joined the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, fulfilling assignments in Africa and Italy, from 1941-45. When he returned, he began studies at Christ the King Seminary, then located at St. Bonaventure University, and was ordained in May 1953 by Bishop Joseph Burke. He would go on to serve under seven bishops, with assignments in St. Mark’s in Rushford, Holy Cross, Our Lady of Lourdes, St. Mary of Sorrows, and St. Louis, all in Buffalo, and Christ the King in Snyder. He spent 20 years as pastor of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in Orchard Park. He directed the diocesan Department of Family Life for nearly to 20 years.
After retiring at age 75 in 1996, he continued his ministry throughout Western New York, saying Mass and administering sacraments. Until shortly before his death, he offered weekly Masses at both St. John the Baptist Church in Kenmore and at St. Martha’s in Depew. Msgr. Lorenzetti’s honors include the Curé of Ars Award, the Bishop’s Medal, St. John Neumann Award, Judge John D. Hillery Foundation Award, and the Christopher Award from the Catholic Youth Organization. His name is also on the Wall of Honor at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval Military Park.
He is survived by nieces and nephews.
Msgr. Lorenzetti will lie in repose at St. John the Baptist Church, 1085 Englewood Avenue, Kenmore, on Sunday, July 16, 2023, from 3-6 p.m. and then again on Monday, July 17, 2023, from noon-1:15 p.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 1:30 p.m. Most Reverend Michael W. Fisher will be the main celebrant.
