Date of death: 9/27/2018

Saint Meinrad Class: O 1975

The Reverend Donald Ernest Baier, retired, went home to God on September 27, 2018. He was the son of the late John K. and Marie (Vasco) Baier of Pittsburgh, PA. He had four brothers, Frederick J., Denis R., Richard A. and James F. all of whom have gone home to God. There are many nephews, nieces, grand nephews, grand nieces, relatives and many friends whom he treasured. He entered the Religious life and the Benedictine Order of Brothers at St. Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe, PA outside of Pittsburgh on July 5, 1959. After five years he transferred to St. Leo Abbey in Florida outside of Tampa and he was ordained to the Priesthood on May 31, 1975. Fr. Baier was incardinated into the Diocese of St. Petersburg and finally moved to the Diocese of Venice where he is presently associated. He celebrated fifty years in the Religious life a few years ago. He was assigned to Parishes in the Diocese of St. Petersburg and the Diocese of Venice. He retired in the year 2000 due to health problems. He held two degrees from St. Leo College in Florida and a MasterÆs degree from St. Meinrad School of Theology in Indiana. He was active in Community organizations, being the last President of the Sarasota Pops Orchestra Auxiliary. He was also a member of the Ringling Museums. He was Chaplain for 25 years for the Great American Circus and the Show Folks Club of the Circus in Sarasota. He was a lifetime member of the BPOE, Elks #1511 in Bradenton. As a life member of the Knights of Columbus he was a past Officer for the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Being from Pittsburgh he had a great interest in the Pittsburgh Steelers Football team and the Pittsburgh Pirates Baseball team. He was a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates Booster Club in Bradenton and was also a member of the local Moose Lodge. He was a member of the German American Club on the north side of Pittsburgh and a member of the German American Social Club of Sarasota and Bradenton.