YONTZ, Monsignor George W., a priest of the presbyterate of the Diocese of Steubenville, died Tuesday morning, Feb. 21 after open-heart surgery. He was 78 years old.
Monsignor Yontz was born Dec. 29, 1933, in Byesville, Ohio. He is the son of the late George W. and Amelia Catherine Hohmann Yontz.
Monsignor is also preceded in death by his brothers, Msgr. William C. Yontz, Paul Yontz and his twin, James Yontz.
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He attended St. John Vianney Seminary in Bloomingdale, Ohio, and, after ordination, at Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., where he earned his Licentiate in Sacred Theology and a master's degree in the field of languages. Bishop John King Mussio ordained him a priest for service in the Diocese of Steubenville on May 23, 1959, at Holy Name Cathedral.
Monsignor Yontz's first assignment as a priest was at St. John Vianney Seminary in Bloomingdale where he served in a variety of capacities over the years, beginning as instructor and later assistant to the Diocesan Director of Music, then Director of Music; Diocesan Placement Board, Chairman of the Executive Board of the seminary, Board of Admissions, Dean of the College Department, Acting Rector, member of the St. John Vianney Seminary Board of Admissions and Vice Rector of the Seminary. He served as a member of the Diocesan Liturgical Commission from 1965 to 1973 and beginning in 1973 when the Diocesan Liturgical Commission was reorganized, he served as chairman with service on the commission ending in 1980. In 1975 Father Yontz served as Diocesan Director of the 1976 Eucharistic Congress. He was on the St. Joseph Preparatory Seminary Board (Vienna, West Virginia) for three years. He was elected to the Priest's Senate and served a two-year term beginning in January of 1970. His first parish assignment was as pastor of St. Joseph, Wolfhurst in August of 1975 until June 1988. In August of 1987 until June 1988 Father Yontz took on the additional duties of Administrator of All Saints in Blaine. On June 9, 1988, he began his pastorate of St. John and St. Michael Parishes in Bellaire, where he served until October 1995. He served as Chaplain to the Bellaire Council No. 1246 Knights of Columbus from 1989 to 1992. Other assignments included, Synodal Examiner (1977- 1980), Moderator of the Presentation Deanery Council of Catholic Women (1978), member of the Art and Environment Board, (1981) Diocesan Consultor (1980-1983), Parish-Priest Consultor (1992-1998). He was appointed Prelate of Honor to His Holiness with the title of Monsignor on Oct. 3, 1990. Msgr. Yontz served as Dean of Queen of Peace Deanery from Feb. 17, 1994, to October 5, 1995. He then served as Dean for Annunciation Deanery from 1995 to April 8, 2001, and to the newly- realigned Annunciation Deanery from April 8, 2001 to Jan. 1, 2004. Msgr. Yontz was appointed Pastor of St. Peter Roman Catholic Church in Steubenville Oct. 5, 1995, where he served until his death, and Pastor of St. Stanislaus Church, Steubenville until its closing in June of 2008.
As we entrust our brother George to the loving care of our Heavenly Father we remember the words of Sacred Scripture, "This is the will of My Father, says the Lord, that all who believe in the Son will have eternal life and I will raise them on the last day." (John 6:40). May he rest in eternal peace.
Friends will be received at St. Peter Church in Steubenville from 5:30-8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25 and on Sunday, Feb. 26 from noon until 6 p.m. A vigil service will be held at 5 p.m. Sunday. A Funeral Liturgy with Mass will be celebrated on Monday, Feb. 27 at 11a.m. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Cambridge. Memorial contributions may be made to either; Steubenville Priest Retirement Fund, 422 Washington St., Steubenville, Covenant House, 460 W. 41st. New York, N.Y., 10036 or to Food for the Poor, 6401 Lyons Rd., Coconut Creek, Fla. 33073
Funeral arrangements are by Mosti Funeral Home, Steubenville.
Offer condolences, www.mostifuneralhome.com
