Divine Word Father Leo Dusheck, who was a 20-year resident in the Divine Word Residence, Bordentown, from 1999-2019, died June 15 in Techny, Ill. He was 86.

Father Dusheck's funeral Mass was celebrated in Techny June 19. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, however, attendance was limited to Divine Word Missionaries.

Born in 1933, in Hazleton, Pa., Father Dusheck began his studies with the Society of the Divine Word in 1947; professed religious vows in 1953 and was ordained a priest in 1961.

Following his ordination, he pursued graduate studies in biology in The Catholic University of America, Washington, which prepared him for teaching mathematics and sciences in St. Mark Seminary, Erie, Pa., for 10 years and Divine Word Seminary, Bordentown, for eight. In 1979, he became a hospital chaplain in Pittsburgh where he ministered to those in need for six years. In 1985, he was chosen to lead the Divine Word community in Techny as rector, an opportunity that afforded him to search for innovative ways to care for the retired and infirmed priests and brothers.

Upon completing two terms as rector, he returned to Pittsburgh where he served another six years as a hospital and prison chaplain, followed by another return to Techny to work in the infirmary.

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In 1999, he moved to the community’s residence in Bordentown and assisted in parishes around the Trenton Diocese including St. Charles Borromeo, Cinnaminson. Because of health reasons, he returned to Techny in 2019.

Along with his parents, Leo and Helen (Rentko) Dusheck, Father Dusheck was predeceased by two sisters, both of whom were Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters. He is survived by another sister from Northfield, Ill.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made toward the care of retired and infirmed missionaries. Send to Divine Word Residence, c/o The Rector, 1901 Waukegan Rd., P.O. Box 6000, Techny, Ill., 60082-6000.