Date of death: 8/15/2015
Saint Meinrad Class: O 1965
The Reverend Monsignor William G. Charnoki, JCL, PA, a priest of the Diocese of Greensburg who celebrated 50 years of priestly service in May, died Saturday, August 15, 2015 while in hospice care at St. Anne Home, Greensburg, at the age of 77. He had been diagnosed with late stage liver cancer shortly before his death. Msgr. Charnoki, who was ordained to the priesthood May 15, 1965, at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral, Greensburg, by the late Bishop William G. Connare, died on the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the patroness of the diocese. In a July interview with The Catholic Accent, Msgr. Charnoki said his connection with the church was natural; two of his uncles were priests. “I’ve enjoyed all of my assignments, he said. With Gods grace, Ive been able to assist in various ways. Im very grateful to have had the opportunity to become a priest and help a lot of people, and I’m grateful that they have helped me.” “I know a lot of people are praying for me, and Im just going to continue along and do whatever the Lord wishes for me, Msgr. Charnoki continued. Over the years, I’ve given advice to many people who are sick or suffering, and I always told them to trust in the Lord. I know now that I have to do the same thing.” Born November 29, 1937, in Nemacolin, Greene County, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Joseph J. and Mary E. (Ondrish) Charnoki. He briefly attended All Saints School in Masontown and graduated from Cumberland Township High School. He received a B.A. from Saint Vincent College, and a M. Div. from Saint Vincent Seminary, both in Latrobe. He received a licentiate degree in canon law from The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. He served the diocese in many capacities, including assistant pastor of St. Mary (Nativity) Parish, Uniontown, and its former mission, St. Cecilia Parish, Lemont Furnace; pastor of the former St. Stanislaus Parish, Calumet, St. Mary Parish, Export, Holy Family Parish, Latrobe, St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish, Indiana, and Holy Trinity Parish, Ligonier; administrator pro tem of the former St. Louis Church, Lucerne Mines; and as administrator of the former St. Boniface Parish, Chestnut Ridge. Msgr. Charnoki was assistant chancellor and diocesan secretary to Bishop Connare; judicial vicar of the Marriage Tribunal; a member of the Priests Council and Board of Consultors; and vicar forane of Deanery.