Rev. Stephen Dutko
January 03, 1917 - April 24, 2009
The Very Rev. Monsignor Stephen Dutko of Binghamton The Very Rev. Monsignor Stephen Dutko, Pastor Emeritus of St. Michael’s Greek Catholic Church, 92, fell asleep in the Lord on Friday morning, April 24, 2009, at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital after a short illness.
He was predeceased by his wife, Pani Mary Dzuback Dutko in 1990 and his son, Richard J. Dutko in 1967.
He is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, the Very Rev. Protopresbyter James S. and Pani Kathleen Dutko and David and Cheryl Dutko, all of Binghamton, four grandchildren, Richard M. Dutko of Binghamton, James A. and his wife Rachel Dutko of Philadelphia, PA, and Christina M. and Matthew D. Dutko both of Binghamton, his brother-in-law, Joseph Dzuback and many nieces and nephews.
He was a graduate of Union College, Cranford, NJ, and Christ the Savior Seminary.
He was ordained to the priesthood on May 10, 1942 at St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church, Bridgeport, CT by the late Metropolitan Orestes. He was assigned to organize St. Mary’s Orthodox Church in Buffalo where he served as pastor until1947. He was then transferred to St. Michael’s Orthodox Church in Freeland, PA. While pastor of St. Michael’s, he oversaw the building of a new rectory, the completion of the church and the construction of an educational center with a bowling alley. In September 1961, he assumed the pastorate of St. Michael’s Greek Catholic Church in Binghamton. While pastor of St. Michael’s he oversaw many projects including the renovation of the church and the installation of new church bells and towers. In 1964, he spearheaded the establishment of what has become the annual Lenten pirohi project at St. Michael’s. Although he was affectionately known as, “The Pirohi King” to many, the highlights of his pastorate was his selfless outreach to those ill at home and in the hospital and his boundless love and service for the children of the parish.
He was the spiritual father for many, served as director of the Diocesan Altar Boy Retreat for over thirty years and fostered thirteen vocations to the priesthood, nine of whom were from St. Michael's.
His special love of church music and his knowledge and skill at singing the traditional prostopinje (plain chant) of the Carpatho-Rusyn people was known and respected throughout the United States and Europe. For many years, a special joy of his life was the beautification of the church property on Clinton Street by planting and maintaining the flowers and shrubs.
The family would especially like to acknowledge the doctors, nurses and staff of the Lourdes Primary Care Associates Southside, Lourdes Hospital ICU and Seton I units as well as the Spiritual Care team for their compassionate services and love.
Funeral Information
Father Stephen’s body will lie in state at St. Michael’s Greek Catholic Church, 292 Clinton Street, Binghamton on Monday from 6-9pm where at 7pm, a memorial service will be offered by area clergy. Viewing at the Church will continue on Tuesday from 4-9pm where at 7pm, a Resurrection Service will be celebrated by Metropolitan Nicholas, Bishop of the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese, and clergy. A Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10am. Burial will be in St. Michael’s Cemetery.
Donations Information
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Father Stephen’s memory to St. Michael’s Capital Campaign, Father Stephen Dutko Church Grounds Beautification Fund, Christ the Savior Seminary, Johnstown, PA or to the Diocese Center for Youth Camp Nazareth, Mercer, PA.
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