Fr. Michael P. Noreika, SSS

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Fr. Michael P. Noreika, SSS

August 11, 1934 ~ August 13, 2018

Father Mike, 84, was an amazing religious and priest who was joyous about his Eucharistic life. He had an infectious laugh that showed his warm and kind disposition. Proud to be born and raised in Wisconsin, after being a teacher for four years in the minor seminary of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament (SSS) in Waupaca, Wisconsin, he joined the SSS and continued to serve as a teacher of math and coach of many sports.  

He professed religious vows on August 22, 1966, studied at the Pontifical Beda College in Rome and was ordained a priest on August 15, 1970.  Following ordination, he returned to teach in Waupaca (1970-1971) and at Saint Mary High School, Menasha, Wisconsin (1971-1977).  From 1978 to 1985 he served as parochial vicar and superior at Saint Charles Borromeo, Albuquerque, New Mexico. He returned to Saint Mary, Menasha, Wisconsin to be pastor and superior, from 1985 to 1989. He was pastor of Notre Dame de Chicago from 1989 to 1992.

After a sabbatical year, he returned to Saint Mary, Menasha from 1993-1999 as parochial vicar and superior. From 1999 to 2001 he served as pastor of Saint Martin de Porres Parish, Taylorsville, Utah. For the third time, he returned to assist at Saint Mary, Menasha, from 2001 to 2003. For the last 15 years, he was the chaplain and spiritual director of Saint Ann Shrine, located at Saint Paschal Baylon, Highland Heights, Ohio.

In 2013, he moved to Regina Health Center, Richfield, Ohio.

Father Mike died unexpectedly of a heart attack two days after his birthday, while in the midst of his regular routine with the caring Regina staff on August 13, 2018. He truly saw “all things in the light of the Eucharist” (Rule of Life).  

Please contribute to his honor and the Education Fund of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament, 5384 Wilson Mills Road, Highland Heights, OH.

The funeral Mass was celebrated August 18, 2018 at Regina Health Center in Richfield Ohio. Burial was at All Souls Cemetery in Chardon, Ohio.