(Plain Press September 2026) Reverand Robert J. “Bob” Kropac, age 70, passed away on July 5^th at University Hospital in Cleveland. Rev. Kropac served as pastor of St. Wendelin Roman Catholic Parish on Columbus Road since 2012 and served as administrator to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish on W. 70^th and Detroit since February of 2023. Memorial masses were held at each of the two parishes on August 12, 2026.

   A good friend of Fr. Kropac, St. Victor Pastor Rev. Allen Corrigan of Richfield, said Fr. Kropac “was a person of many talents; smart, articulate, theologically grounded, prayerful, liturgically present, warmly human, and more.” Fr. Corrigan added that Fr. Kropac once served as Director of Liturgy for the Diocese of Cleveland. Referring to that role, Fr. Corrigan said Fr. Kropac “was an excellent preacher and presider, and an important role model for me and many other priests.”