An American-born pastor. There is some disagreement regarding his place of birth; some sources state he was born in Chicago, IL, while others claim he was born in East Chicago, IN. He is of Polish descent on his mother’s side. His father’s name was John, and his mother’s name was Antoinette. His brother Joseph served in World War II and was awarded the Purple Heart.
His involvement in Hungarian pastoral work is unconfirmed, but his name appears in the correspondence between József Mindszenty and János Szabó (Sabo).
He began his studies at St. Stanislaus School in East Chicago and graduated from St. Bonaventura High School. He completed his priestly studies at St. Gregory Minor Seminary in Sturtevant, WI, and then at St. Mary’s Seminary in Cincinnati. He was ordained a priest by Bishop John Francis Noll of Fort Wayne on May 21, 1931. His priestly ministry had to be interrupted several times due to illness (gout), and he retired permanently in 1973, living at his brother’s home.
His grave is located at Holy Cross Cemetery and Mausoleums in Calumet City, IL, in a family plot.