Father Peter Saporito, 76, longtime Vineland shepherd, died April 13. He had been retired since 2019.
Ordained May 7, 1977, as a Conventual Franciscan in Albany, N.Y., Father Saporito arrived in the Diocese of Camden in 1989. His first assignment was at Sacred Heart High School in Vineland, where, from 1989 to1993, he served first as chaplain, and later as guidance director and assistant principal.
He was principal of Saint James High School in Carneys Point from 1997 to 2000.
As pastor, Father Saporito served at Saint Mary of Mount Carmel Parish, Hammonton (2016-2019); Saint Padre Pio Parish, Vineland (2003–2015), and Our Lady of Pompeii Parish, Vineland (2000-2003).
Father Saporito also spent summer 2000 as parochial vicar at Saint Mary Parish, Williamstown.
Remembering him as a spiritual mentor, Father Steven Bertonazzi, pastor of Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Collingswood, called Father Saporito “a good, holy shepherd.” Father Bertonazzi credits the “energetic, lively” priest for teaching him about the Mass and the Church’s liturgical traditions when he was a 16-year-old altar boy in 1992.
As Father Bertonazzi went on to discern the priesthood, Father Saporito “always prayed for and encouraged me,” he said. When Father Bertonazzi was ordained a transitional deacon in 2020, and a priest in 2021, it was Father Saporito who vested him with his new liturgical garments.
“He had a love for the people, and was present for them no matter what,” Father Bertonazzi recalled. “I’m going to miss his laugh and good manner.”
Born in Pittston, Pa., and raised in Trenton, Father Saporito entered the Conventual Franciscan Order in 1967 at Saint Hyacinth College and Seminary in Granby, Mass., where he received a bachelor’s degree in philosophy.
He continued his studies at Saint Anthony-on-Hudson Seminary in Rensselaer, N.Y.; in 1977, he received a master’s degree in theology and was ordained a priest that same year in Albany. In 1982, he earned a master’s degree in education from Canisius College in Buffalo, N.Y.
After serving as principal from 1983-1989 at Saint Francis High School in Athol Springs, N.Y., he left the Franciscan Order and entered the Diocese of Camden.
A visitation will be held at St. Padre Pio Parish, Our Lady of Pompeii Church, 4680 Dante Avenue, Vineland on Monday, April 20 from 8:30 a.m.– 10:30 a.m.
Most Reverend Joseph A. Williams, D.D. will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial immediately following the visitation at 11:00 a.m. Father Steven Bertonazzi will be the homilist.
Burial will take place at St. Padre Pio Parish, Our Lady of Pompeii Cemetery, 4680 Dante Avenue, Vineland.
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