Rev. James J. Vesely

The Reverend James J. Vesely, Pastor Emeritus, Saint Thomas More Parish, Brooklyn, died Wednesday, 27 July 2022, after having received the prayerful support and consolation of the Sacraments.

James Joseph Vesely was born on 8 November 1928. His parents were the late James and Helen (Klein). He was educated at St. Michael Elementary, Cleveland, Parmadale, Holy Name High School, Parma, Sacred Heart Seminary, Detroit, MI and St. Mary Seminary, Cleveland. On 18 December 1954 in the Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist, Archbishop Edward F. Hoban ordained him to the priesthood for the service of the Diocese of Cleveland.

Fr. Vesely's first assignment was as Parochial Vicar of St. Clare, Lyndhurst. On 21 June 1960 he was transferred to serve as Parochial Vicar of Ascension, Cleveland. Fr. Vesely was assigned Parochial Vicar of St. John Nepomucene, Cleveland on 13 September 1962. On 15 June 1967 Fr. Vesely was named Parochial Vicar of St. Charles Borromeo, Parma. On 17 June 1970 he was assigned Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Lourdes, Cleveland. Fr. Vesely was named Pastor of St. Procop, Cleveland on 9 January 1973. On 23 June 1987 Fr. Vesely was named Pastor of St. Thomas More, Brooklyn. Fr. Vesely retired on 3 October 2005 and was named Pastor Emeritus of St. Thomas More, Brooklyn. Fr. Vesely was well loved by his parishioners. Fr. Vesely could be a bit gruff at times but he had a big heart and loved being a priest. He was loved dearly by his parishioners. His booming voice and his signing will be remembered by many.

The wake will begin with Vespers on Monday, 1 August 2022 at St. Leo the Great Church, 4940 Broadview Rd., Cleveland, Ohio at 3:00 pm and will continue until 7:00 p.m. Bishop Martin Amos will be the presider and Fr. Jim Schmitz will be the homilist. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, 2 August 2022 in St. Leo the Great Church at 11:00 am. Bishop Roger Gries will be the main celebrant and Fr. Ned Weist will be the homilist. Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Brook Park.

In accord with the provisions of the Marian Pact, please try to attend and concelebrate the Funeral Liturgy, offer Mass for him as you are able and cause him to be remembered and prayed for in the appropriate public prayers of the Church. May Fr. Vesely and all our bishops, priests and deacons who have died, live forever in the joy of the Resurrection.