Fr. Stephen Szeman
Reverend Stephen J. Szeman, the oldest living priest of the Archdiocese of Seattle, died peacefully late in the evening of April 29, 2026, just before midnight, at his residence in Kirkland, Washington.
Fr. Steve was born on October 4, 1927, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, to Stephen John Szeman and Julia Dorothy Hornick Szeman. And he was baptized at Immaculate Conception Church in Johnstown on October 9, 1927. He was the second of their six children and their only son. He often described Johnstown as a place “dipped in the faith,” where Catholic life permeated home, school, and neighborhood. From a very young age, he demonstrated a deep love for the Church and a strong devotion to prayer, especially to the Blessed Virgin Mary—a devotion that would shape his entire life and priesthood.
Although no one in his family ever spoke of priesthood as an expectation, Fr. Steve’s vocation emerged quietly and decisively. At the age of twelve, he was invited by his pastor to begin seminary studies—an invitation that redirected his life overnight.
He attended the Pontifical College in Worthington, Ohio, where he completed twelve years of rigorous intellectual, spiritual, and human formation. Seminary life deeply marked him—not only through prayer and study, but through disciplined service. He often spoke of learning responsibility in seminary, through shared labor, fraternity, and trust in God. Central to those years was his growing devotion to Mary, nurtured by daily visits to the Marian shrine. He would later say that Mary remained “a very, very special help” throughout his life and priesthood.
He was ordained to the priesthood on May 30, 1953, by Bishop M. R. Amleto G. Cicognani.
Following ordination, Fr. Steve’s early ministry was marked by faithful service in parish life. He served as a curate at St. Anthony Parish in Renton beginning in July 1953, and later at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Seattle. In 1961, Archbishop Connolly appointed him Chaplain and Director of Cabrini Hospital in Seattle, where Fr. Steve served for 13 years. During this time, he also worked closely with the bishop on medical ethics education, clergy personnel work, and as Director of Vocations at the Chancery.
In 1974, Fr. Steve returned to parish ministry as pastor of St. Anthony Parish in Renton for twelve years. He later served only one year as pastor at Sacred Heart Parish in Enumclaw, where he earned the affectionate nickname “The White Tornado” for his tireless energy to renovate, repair, and build—often with his own hands. This was matched by generous pastoral availability to parishioners of all ages, and hands‑on approach to their pastoral care.
He went on to serve as the founding pastor of Mary, Queen of Peace Parish in Sammamish, and later assisted in several short‑term assignments throughout the archdiocese. He believed deeply that priesthood was a life poured out in service, once saying: “If you aren’t putting yourself out for people, then you are being selfish.” His life reflected that conviction. He cared devotedly for his parents until their deaths, remained attentive to his sisters, and quietly supported many whose needs were unseen. He measured priesthood by whether someone was helped, known, or loved in the Lord Jesus.
In 1992, Fr. Szeman entered senior priest status, though “retirement” never truly described his way of life. For decades afterward, he remained extremely active assisting on weekends, offering countless hours in the confessional, and joyfully supporting his brother priests.
Fr. Steve’s wisdom and institutional memory were invaluable to the archdiocese. He served on numerous boards and councils, including the Presbyteral Council, and contributed significantly to work involving clergy support, pensions, medical ethics, and faith formation initiatives.
Outside of parish life, Fr. Steve had a great love of the water. A lifelong boater, he served for years as chaplain to the Seattle Yacht Club and enjoyed both owning and captaining vessels. As a younger priest, he enjoyed being Archbishop Connolly’s captain and taking him across and up and down Puget Sound to parishes. He continued this trend of maritime hospitality with succeeding bishops. In retirement, he even lived aboard his boat for a time at Carillon Point. He was also an accomplished model shipbuilder, dedicating a thousand hours to each piece. Many of his meticulously crafted ships were sold or donated, with proceeds generously given to charitable causes and parish schools.
In his later years, Fr. Steve lived at Holy Family Parish in Kirkland, where he was warmly welcomed and continued to serve generously. When he later moved to assisted living and eventually to memory care, his identity as a priest remained central to who he was. He continued to minister to Catholic residents, faithfully wore his clerical shirt, and remained deeply rooted in prayer until the end of his life. Just one week before his death, he was filled with peace and joy when Archbishop Paul D. Etienne visited, anointed him, and granted him the Apostolic Pardon.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let Your perpetual light shine upon him.
May his soul, and all the souls of the faithful departed, rest in peace.
Fr. Szeman was preceded in death by his parents and by four of his sisters. He is survived by his beloved sister, Imelda M. Mahoney, as well as extended family including nieces and nephews.
Condolences may be sent to:
Imelda (Mel) Maloney
4677 Calle Cancun
Camarillo, CA. 93012
The Archdiocese of Seattle and Fr. Steve’s family express profound gratitude for the loving and professional care provided by the staff of Kingsgate Adult Family Home, Family First, and Family Hospice Services, whose compassion supported Fr. Steve and all who loved him during his final years.
Vigil and Rosary:
Monday, May 11, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
Holy Family, Kirkland
Fr. Gary Zender to preside.
Funeral Mass:
Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.
Holy Family, Kirkland
Archbishop Paul D. Etienne to preside.
Father Kurt Nagel to preach.
Concelebrating priests are asked to bring their own alb and white stole.
Committal:
Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 2:00p.m.
Calvary Cemetery, Seattle.
Fr. Chad Green to preside.
Thank you for your prayers for the response of Fr. Steve’s soul.
With prayerful gratitude,
Fr. Gary M. Zender
Vicar for Clergy
The post first appeared on Barton Family Funeral Service.