In Memoriam: Fr. Harold Spacht, C.Ss.R.
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December 19, 2023Rev. Harold (‘Padre Andres’) Spacht, C.Ss.R., formerly of North East, Pennsylvania, died on November 7, 2023, in San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico.
Born on August 30, 1934, Father Spacht grew up in Saint Gregory’s Parish in North East and studied there at the Redemptorist minor seminary of Saint Mary’s before professing his religious vows as a Redemptorist on August 2, 1956. Ordained to the priesthood on June 18, 1961, Father spent sixty years of his religious life and priesthood as a Redemptorist missionary to the people of Puerto Rico in the Vice Province and Province of San Juan.
His ministry touched countless people in the many parishes where he served with intense dedication, great zeal, and gracious care of every person he encountered throughout his life of service.
Faith, family, community, and education were at the heart of Father Harold’s missionary life as a vowed Redemptorist for 67 years and as a Redemptorist priest for over 62 years. Always concerned that God’s people be well fed and well nourished with God’s Word and the celebration of the sacraments, he was a prayerful pastor who sought to inspire people to draw close to Jesus as friend and Redeemer. As a confrere to his brother Redemptorists, he was kind, thoughtful, and generous – a brother who cherished time at table with good food and great conversation when the community gathered together.
An avid sports fan, he loved to play – especially golf—and while he loved to win, Father Harold was always even more grateful for the opportunity that playing sports provided to make friends and enjoy the good company of others.
The Redemptorist Community and the family of Reverend Harold Andrew (Andrés) Spacht, C.Ss.R. thank God for the gift of his life and the blessing of his ministry to God’s people. May he now rest in peace with Jesus, our most holy Redeemer, and all the saints in glory.
Father Harold was predeceased by his dear parents, Charles and Elizabeth (Porter) Spacht, and his brothers John, Merle, Robert, and Carl. He is survived by his two sisters, Jean Gulley of Stratford, Connecticut, and Sister Irene Spacht, OSB, of Erie, along with several nieces and nephews.