Rev. Frances J. Dutko

Father Francis J. Dutko was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania on August 13th, 1896. He attended St. Charles Seminary in Overbrook and was ordained at the Cathedral of Sts. Peter & Paul on May 21st, 1921 by Cardinal Dougherty.

His first assignment was at St. Michael in Lansford on June 3rd, 1921. He then became the first pastor of the newly formed St. Joseph’s parish and served from March 25th, 1924 until September 1st of the same year. Later assignments included St. Joseph’s, Sheppton and Immaculate Conception, Nesquehoning, where he was named domestic prelate with the title of Msgr. in 1971 by Pope Paul VI.

After his retirement in 1977, Father Dutko continued to serve as pastor emeritus at Immaculate Conception until his death on October 18th, 1979.