Monsinger Paul Metzger passed away on Monday, May 6, just two days before his 97th birthday. Metzger celebrated the 70-year anniversary of his ordination on April 17, 2013 making him the longest serving priest in Ohio.
Metzger was ordained on April 17, 1943 and was made pastor of St. Mary. He retired from St. Mary on September 15, 1985. From August 29, 1959 until January 1, 1980 he served as Dean of Presentation Deanery. After retiring a second time, Metzger helped Holy Trinity, St. John, and St. Mary form the new Catholic comunity of Middletown, Holy Family Parish.
Monsignor Metzger is survived by his cousins, Larry (Deanna) Cottle, Kathy McAdams, Shelly (Joe) DeBacker, Marci Russell, Missy (Chris) Riegel, Robb (Patty) Cottle, Teresa (Adam) Dambrowski, Carolyn (Jack) Parrella, Jennifer (Tom) Vanderhorst, Michelli Parrella, Pauline (Mike) DeMartino and many other cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents and cousins, Peggy Cottle, Jerry Cottle and Sister Bridget Cottle, SCN.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held Thursday, May 9, 2013 at Holy Family Parish, Holy Trinity Church, Middletown, Ohio with the Most Reverend Jeffrey M. Monforton, Bishop of the Diocese of Steubenville, as celebrant.
Visitation will be Wednesday 5-8 p.m. at Holy Trinity Church. Memorial donations may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society, c/o Holy Family Parish, 201 Clark Street Middletown, Ohio 45042.
Source: TimesLeaderOnline
