The Reverend Daniel FitzSimmons, 77, of Wilkes-Barre departed this life to be with the Lord on Monday, February 26 after a brief illness.
Father Dan was preceded in death by his beloved husband, the Reverend William Shattuck Marshall, Jr. in 2018.
Born in Hazleton, PA on January 4, 1947 he was the son of the late Steve and Doreen Voyvodich and was a graduate of Saint Gabriel’s High School, Hazleton. Prior to his religious studies, Father was awarded a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Wilkes University in 1985 and a Master of Arts in Psychology General Theoretical from Marywood University in 1989. His graduate coursework in theology was completed at the University of Scranton in 1997.
Father Dan was a priest of the Episcopal Church and was ordained for service in the Diocese of Bethlehem in 2000. His most recent assignments as a priest include priest-in-charge at Saint Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church, Mountaintop, director of the food pantry at Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Wilkes-Barre, pastoral advisor at Ss. Francis and Clare Progressive Catholic Church, Moosic, and interim supply pastor at Saint Matthew’s United Evangelical Lutheran Church, Scranton.
Before his tenure as a priest, Fr. Dan held many positions which showcased his talent as both an artist and a humanitarian. During his career, he was a licensed hairstylist and cosmetologist, a certified instructor of cosmetology at Empire Beauty School, a medical technologist and phlebotomist having worked for Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Hazleton and the New York Blood Bank, a licensed psychologist for Luzerne County Children and Youth Services and as a private psychological clinician. Father Dan will forever be remembered as a kind and compassionate priest with an ability to bring people together.
Surviving are two sisters Julie Adamcek with her husband Michael, and Christine Voyvodich; Nieces Jennifer and Mary Ann; Nephew Michael, Jr.; and several grand-nieces.
The Funeral Service with the Sacred Rites of Commendation for a Priest will be held at Saints Francis and Clare Progressive Catholic Church, 3343 Greenwood Avenue, Moosic at 11AM on Saturday, March 9, the Right Reverend William A. Mentz, CSM celebrant, the Reverend Timothy Alleman, homilist.
Friends may call from 5-6PM on Friday, March 8 at the church with a vigil Celebration of the Eucharist to follow at 6PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Father Dan’s name can be made to the Valley Cat Rescue, Wilkes-Barre, Partners for Sacred Places by visiting sacredplaces.org, or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements have been entrusted to and are under the care and direction of the Vanston and James Funeral Home, Scranton.
To share a fond memory or to express your sincere condolences, please visit www.vanstonandjames.com.
E Mentz
Dan was a wonderful man and priest, who never hesitated to lend his helping hand to others. May he be enfolded in the arms of our Lord.
Carole S. Guzzi
Rest in peace, dear one, with the angels archangels and all the company of heaven.
Your true friendship was a gift I will cherish and hold in my heart. Til we meet again
Angel hugs, Carole
Julie Kopec
We have already been missing you for 2 weeks wondering why you haven’t been in …you touched everyone at Julie’s Cozy Cafe! My servers and I truly loved our conversations with you. Talking about your cat, our cats(especially Walter) and of course teasing you about your variety of hats. Our condolences to your family and everyone that knew you. You were a wonderful caring soul. You will be missed!
Jim Shemanski
My old and new friend. Lived and died discerning God’s will, doing what he wanted to do and saying what he wanted to say. In other words, a brave man. Rest in peace Danny!
Ann & Carolyn
Friends from the old Hazleton days, a lifetime ago, two sisters send our prayers & farewell wishes . Rest in peace, Danny.
Sister Pat McCann
Danny and I went to school together. He was two years behind me, but we kind of traveled in the same group. We had a lot of fun we’d go to Saint Gabriel cemetery after dark and scary each other really harmless fun when you think about it, I met him years later and he was doing in clerical clothes, and that’s what he told me of his choice and I was very happy for him. He seemed very happy and very much at peace. I think I may have seen him once or twice within the last five years and it was always pleasant laughing and teasing about what we did as young kids , he just seemed very much at peace
He was very surprised that I not only entered the sisters of Mercy right after high school, but very very surprised that I stayed because folks in my class had bets that I would only last a week well I’ve lasted 60 some years I think he was very happy because he told me that I seemed very much of peace and content with my life and my ministry and I was I was always very grateful for the vocation. God gave to me and grateful for Dan‘s vocation as well. I was very happy for him. I’m sure his congregation will miss him
and may he rest in the loving embrace of our compassionate God.
Chris Koster
I only knew you for a very short time, but I feel blessed to have received your quiet wisdom and kindness. Blessings and peace.
Karen & John
Our condolences to all who love Dan and who’s lives have been touched, as our family has been. Yes, Dan was a brave man. We enjoyed his honest conversations and loved his smile and laughter. See you, Dan & Bill in our next journey. ????
Ed Groth
Miss you, Father Dan. You welcomed me back into the fold a dozen years ago, and your warmth and kindness helped strengthen and renew my faith. I hope you are enjoying the next chapter in your well-deserved journey.
Angie Fanelli
I just saw Father Dan’s obituary and I am so upset. I just saw him right before Christmas.
We were in Victoria’s Candy. I went up to him and said hello & he didn’t recognize me because I had throat cancer and had my box removed. I cleaned for him & fathe Marshall.
Father Dan was a wonderful, kind and gentle person. It is a loss that I will never forget.
My tears are because of how special he was.
He is with the Lord now & forever.