REV. ROBERT J. BAFFA

THE REV. ROBERT J. BAFFA - NORRISTOWN, Pa. - The Rev. Robert J. Baffa, 75, died March 23, 2013. He was born on March 24, 1937, in Roxborough, Pa., a suburb of Philadelphia, the son of Richard and Anita (Stimmler) Baffa. He attended Norwood Academy and Roman Catholic High School in Philadelphia. He completed his course in philosophy and theology at St. Pauls Seminary at the University of Ottawa, Canada. Fr. Baffa was ordained to the priesthood at St. John the Baptist Church, North Bennington, Vt., on his 29th birthday, by Bishop Robert F. Joyce where his priestly ministry began. He returned to St. John's and served as Pastor from 1993 to 2002. He served at the Cathedral and various parishes in the Burlington Roman Catholic Diocese. He was the director of "Cross Roads," a halfway house for ex-offenders. Fr. Baffa, executive director of Allenbrook/1690, a family oriented home for teenage boys, will be remembered for his outstanding love and commitment to these boys that were unloved, unwanted or neglected by their families. In September 1982, he was the new Chaplain of the UVM Newman Center. He was welcomed by the community with open arms because of his caring nature. He restructured the organization and the name UVM Catholic Student Association was decided upon as the new title. Fr. Baffa was recognized by President Ronald Reagan when the students formed a 24-hour Prayer Vigil for Peace. Fr. Baffa was predeceased by his parents; brother, Richard L. Baffa (Margaret); niece, Lynda M. McKernan; and nephew, Aiden Odell. He is survived by his sister, Mary Anita Metacarpa (Joseph) of Venice, Fla. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Regina Nursing Center, Norristown, Pa., on April 3, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Condolences may be made at www.ciavarellifuneralhomes.com.