Eternal Memory: + Fr. Donald Valasek

Monday, June 8, 2026

JOHNSTOWN, PA – [Diocesan Chancery] – With profound sadness the Diocesan Chancery announces that +Rev. Donald R. Valasek reposed in the Lord on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at the age of 78.

Father Don was born on May 7, 1948 in Rochester, PA a son of the late Rudolph and Mildred (Derglin) Valasek.  Father Don was ordained in May of 1973 as part of the Byzantine Catholic Church.  In 2009, he was subsequently received into our Dioceseand served our Church of St. Nicholas in Erie, PA until his retirement in 2018.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Annette Valasek; and a brother, David Valasek.

He is survived by a sister, Celeste Cline and her husband Larry; two brothers, Dennis Valasek and his wife Diane; and Alan Valasek and his wife Carol; six nieces and nephews, David Valasek; Heather Valasek; Jason Valasek; William Valasek; Stacey Yablonsky; and Jacob Cline.  He is also survived by additional great nieces and great nephews.

The Funeral Arrangements for Fr. Don are as follows:

Tuesday, 6/9 - 5pm - Vesting of a Priest by Deanery Clergy at Durroch Funeral Home in Aliquippa, PA.

Wednesday, 6/10 - 5-7pm - Calling Hours at Durroch Funeral Home, 2640 Mill Street, Aliquippa, PA.  6:30pm - Panachida

Thursday, 6/11 - 11am - Funeral Service for a Priest at our church of St. John the Baptist in Ambridge, PA (450 Glenwood Drive).  Fr. Don will be received into the church at 10am.

Following the Funeral Service, Burial Service at Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery on Brodhead Road in Aliquippa.

The faithful are kindly asked to remember in prayer the newly departed Fr. Don as well as his sister, Celeste, his brothers Dennis and Alan, and all his family.  

"In Blessed Repose, grant eternal rest, O Lord, to your newly-departed Priest + Father Donald and render eternal his memory, vicnaja jemu pamjat!"