Father Joachim R. Fatora, O.S.B., a monk of Saint Vincent Archabbey, died February 17, 2006, after a short illness. He was born June 7, 1928 in Blairsville, a son of the late John A. Fatora and Susan E. (Ritz) Fatora.
Surviving are one brother, Jerome F. Fatora of Cincinnati, Ohio; two sisters, Sister M. Monica Fatora, S.C., of Pittsburgh; Maryanne C. Fatora of Latrobe, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by one brother, John A. Fatora and one sister, Sister Mary Raymond Fatora, S.C.
Father Joachim attended Saints Simon and Jude Parochial School in Blairsville and graduated from Saint Vincent Preparatory School in 1946.He graduated from Saint Vincent College in 1951, and received a master of divinity degree from Saint Vincent Seminary in 1954. Other studies were pursued at Carlow College, Pittsburgh, and at the Scripture Institute, Georgetown University.
He made simple profession of vows on July 2, 1948, and solemn profession of vows on July 11, 1951. Father Joachim was ordained a priest on May 22, 1954 by the late Bishop Hugh L. Lamb of the Diocese of Greensburg at Saint Vincent Archabbey Basilica. He served primarily in the pastoral apostolate. He was an assistant pastor at St. Joseph Church, Johnstown (1954-1957); Queen of the World Church, St. Marys (1957-1959); St. Benedict Church, Canton, Ohio (1959-1966); St. Boniface Church, North Side, Pittsburgh (1966-1970); St. Mary Church, North Side, Pittsburgh (1970-1974). He was administrator of Immaculate Conception Church, New Germany (1974-1976) and pastor at Saint Vincent Parish, Latrobe (1976-1980); Sacred Heart Church, Jeannette (1980-1987) and St. Benedict Church, Marguerite (1987-1995). He served as the pastor of St. Bernard Church, Hastings (1995-2003) before his appointment as pastor of Forty Martyrs Parish, Trauger in 2003. In 2005, he retired to the Archabbey.
Father Joachim was a Fourth Degree member of Knights of Columbus, and has served as chaplain for councils in Canton, Pittsburgh, Portage and Latrobe.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Saint Vincent Archabbey Basilica Tuesay, February 21, 2006. Interment will follow at Saint Vincent Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Benedictine Health and Education Fund at Saint Vincent Archabbey, 300 Fraser Purchase Road, Latrobe, PA 15650.
