Rev. Joseph J. Kleppner, STL, PhD
Deceased: 2019-03-19
Diocese: PITTSBURGH
Seminary Graduation Year: 1972
Rev. Joseph Kleppner, Age 73, passed away Tuesday, March 19, 2019, on the Solemnity of St. Joseph, at Concordia at Villa St. Joseph, Baden.
Born June 18, 1945 in North Charleroi, PA, he was a son of the late John and Evelyn (Zeffiro) Kleppner. Fr. Kleppner attended St. Charles Elementary School, Donora; graduated from Mon Valley Catholic High School, and received his Bachelor of Arts from St. Vincent Seminary, Latrobe, PA, 1968. He furthered his education by receiving the following degrees: Bachelor of Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, Italy, 1970; Licentiate in Sacred Theology for the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, Rome, Italy, 1972; and Doctor of Philosophy from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, 1985.
He was ordained as a priest and incardinated into the Diocese of Pittsburgh on December 17, 1971 by Bishop Hickey at St. Peter Basilica, Rome, Italy. Fr. Kleppner’s priestly assignments include: 1972-1975, Parochial Vicar, St. John the Baptist Church, Monaca, PA.; 1975-1979, Parochial Vicar, St. Sebastian Parish, Pittsburgh, PA; 1981-1983, Chaplain Education, Seton-LaSalle Catholic High School; 1983-1985, Chaplain Education, St. Anthony School for Exceptional Children, Oakmont, PA; 1985, Administrator, St. John the Baptist Church, Monaca, PA; 1985-1990, Director-Campus Ministry, Slippery Rock Newman Center, Slippery Rock, PA; 1990-1996, Director- Institute for Lay Ministries and Director of Clergy Formation, Diocese of Pittsburgh Pastoral Center, Pittsburgh, PA; 1990-1993, Director-Pre- Ordination Formation, Pittsburgh Diocese Pastoral Center, Pittsburgh, PA; 1993-1996, Rector, St. Paul Seminary; 1994-1996, Director, Office for the Diaconate, Diocese of Pittsburgh Pastoral Care Center, Pittsburgh, PA; and 1996-2014, Pastor, St. Frances Cabrini Parish, Center Township, PA. His previous roles in the Pittsburgh Diocese include: Board of Directors-Catholic Social Service; Vicariate One Representative; Adjunct Spiritual Director; Theological Advisory Committee- Christian Associates; Member-Pennsylvania Conference on the Inter Church Cooperation; Confessor-Marian Manor; Chairman – Theological Commission; Board of Directors-Pittsburgh Catholic; Appointed Member-College of Consultors, and Member-Priest Council.
Fr. Kleppner also served his community as a member of the Board of Directors of Community College of Beaver County and of Gateway Rehabilitation, both in Center Township, PA. At St. Frances Cabrini, his last assignment, he is remembered for his priestly service and generous spirit. Fr. Kleppner was a caring compassionate person who performed many acts of kindness that were never known. He had a deep love for those with special needs and the unborn.
He is survived by his brother, John Kleppner; six cousins; and dear friends, Emilio D’Antonio, Sue Henderson, and Michael and Laura Rubino.
Friends will be received Thursday from 2 to 6 p.m. at TATALOVICH FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, INC., Center Twp., 3475 Brodhead Rd., Monaca, PA 15061. A Vesper Service will be held Thursday at 7 p.m. in St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, 115 Trinity Drive, Aliquippa, PA 15001. Fr. Kleppner will lie in state Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, Center Twp. Interment will take place at 2:30 p.m. in Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery, Hopewell Twp.
“Live in joy and hope. God bless you and love you.”
