The Rev. William N. Seifert

The Rev. William N. Seifert (Ret.), 70, of Bethlehem, died Tuesday at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg, Bethlehem.

He was born Dec. 29, 1952, in Philadelphia, a son of the late Walter R. and Lucy Sandrock Seifert.

Father Seifert attended St. Patrick Elementary School, Pottsville, and was a 1970 graduate of Nativity BVM High School, Pottsville. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy and theology from the University of Scranton with a minor in concentrations in psychology and communications, which he received in 1977. He also received a Master of Divinity degree from Mary Immaculate Seminary, Northampton. He pursued advanced studies in Ministry to the Deaf and Hearing Impaired at Gallaudet University, Washington, D.C., and advanced studies were also completed at the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage & Family, Washington, D.C., as well as advanced studies in theology at Mary Immaculate Seminary, Northampton.

He was ordained to the priesthood on May 23, 1981, by the Most Rev. Joseph M. McShea, bishop of Allentown, at the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown.

Father Seifert's first assignment was professor, Allentown Central Catholic High School. He then served as professor, Bethlehem Catholic High School, followed by director of spiritual activities, Marian Catholic High School, Tamaqua. He also served as the chaplain, St. Christopher Catholic Newman Center, Kutztown University.

Father Seifert's first assignment as a pastor was at Annunciation of the BVM Parish, Shenandoah, St. Mary Parish, Ringtown, and St. Mary Magdalen Parish, Lost Creek, followed by pastor, St. Joseph Parish, Easton, and pastor, St. Stephen of Hungary Parish, Allentown.

Father Seifert also served as parochial vicar, Holy Guardian Angels Parish, Reading; parochial vicar, St. Patrick Parish, Pottsville; and parochial administrator, Ss. Peter and Paul Parish, Lehighton.

During the course of his priestly ministry, Father Seifert served as regional director, Apostolate for the Deaf; Catholic Social Agency, Deaf Apostolate; assistant, Episcopal Master of Ceremonies; member, Diocesan Textbook Review Committee; secretary, Diocesan Task Force on Chastity; diocesan director, Prison Ministry; Pastoral Ministry, Schuylkill Medical Center, Pottsville; and priest director, Region V, Catholic Youth Organization.

On Jan. 7, 2020, Father Seifert was granted the status of a retired priest of the Diocese of Allentown.

He is survived by a sister, Elizabeth "Betsy" Yanni and her husband, Robert, of Pottsville; a niece; and two nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville, with his Excellency, The Most Rev. Alfred A. Schlert, D.D., J.C.L, Bishop of Allentown, as main celebrant and homilist. Family and friends are invited to a viewing from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church. A vigil service will be conducted at 7 p.m. Tuesday at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, with Monsignor William F. Glosser, V.F., presiding and the Rev. Bernard J. Ezaki, president of Catholic Mission and Identity, Bethlehem Catholic High School, as homilist. Interment will be in Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven. The family would prefer remembrances in the form of contributions in memory of Father Seifert be made to St. Patrick Memorial Fund, 319 Mahantongo St., Pottsville, PA 17901. Arrangements are under the care of James E. Humphrey Funeral Home, Pottsville. Please share your memories and condolences with Father Seifert's family by signing the guest book at www.jehumphreyfuneralhome.com.