Monsignor George R. Demuth

Monsignor George R. Demuth, pastor emeritus of St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Scranton, and the oldest priest of the Diocese of Scranton, died Monday, Oct. 23, 2017, at Holy Family Residence, Scranton.

Monsignor Demuth, son of the late John J. and May Edwards Demuth, was born in Scranton on March 16, 1919. He received his early education at St. Mary of the Assumption Parish School. At the age of 14 he enrolled at the Josephinum Pontifical College and Seminary, Columbus, Ohio, where he completed his studies for the priesthood. Monsignor Demuth was ordained to the priesthood there on March 10, 1946, by Archbishop Giovanni Cicognani, apostolate delegate to the United States at the time.

Following ordination, Monsignor Demuth served as assistant pastor at St. Boniface, Williamsport, and St. Nicholas, Wilkes-Barre. He was named administrator of Ascension Parish, Williamsport, on March 3, 1967. On Sept. 9, 1970, he was named to his first and only pastorate at his home parish, St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Scranton, where he remained for 26 years, until his retirement and appointment as pastor emeritus on July 8, 1996.

Monsignor Demuth was named a Prelate of Honor by his Holiness Pope John Paul II on March 17, 1983, and given the title Monsignor.

Monsignor Demuth also served as the spiritual director of the Williamsport Special Religious Education Program; the Junior Holy Name; the Knights of St. George and its auxiliary; the Legion of Mary; Apostleship of Prayer and the Catholic Women's Union; and taught religion at St. Nicholas School, Wilkes Barre, and College Misericordia, Dallas.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Jean Skaluba.

He is survived by a sister, Marion Kelly, and nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to the Little Sisters of the Poor for years of care.

Viewing will take place at Holy Family Residence, in the Maloney Lounge, 2500 Adams Ave., Scranton, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Friday. A Solemn Vespers Service will be celebrated at Holy Family Chapel at 7 p.m.

A Pontifical Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., bishop of Scranton, at 10 a.m. Saturday in Holy Family Chapel, Scranton. Viewing will also take place from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Saturday in Holy Family Chapel.

Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Scranton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Family Residence, 2500 Adams Ave., Scranton, PA 18509-1515.