Rev. William J. Nessel, OSFS (1929-2026)
Rev. William J. Nessel, OSFS
With sadness, but with faith in the Resurrection, we announce that our brother, Rev. William Joseph Nessel, OSFS, passed away at the age of 96 on Monday, January 5, 2026, after a lengthy illness. A pastor, educator, administrator, and prolific author, Fr. Nessel was a dedicated Oblate and priest. He was a professed member of the Oblate community for 78 years and a priest for almost 70 years.
Bill was born on February 2, 1929, in the Port Richmond section of Philadelphia. He was one of six children born to William Nessel and Claire (Lynch) Nessel. He attended Our Lady Help of Christians parish school and Northeast Catholic High School. Upon graduation from North in 1946, Bill entered the Oblate Novitiate in Childs, Maryland. After his first profession of vows in September 1947, Bill studied at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy.
Bill made his final profession in 1950 and began his theological training at DeSales School of Theology in D.C. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 6, 1956. After ordination, Fr. Nessel taught science at the newly established Father Judge High School in Philadelphia.
In the Fall of 1957, Fr. Nessel returned to Catholic University to study canon and civil law. In 1958, he received the M.A. in Political Science and completed studies for a doctorate in Canon Law in June 1960. He published his doctorate thesis that same year.
Oblates Fr. Paul Colloton, Bro. Dan Wisniewski, Bro. Joe Schodowski, and Fr. Bill Nessel.
During the 1960s, Fr. Nessel taught at a variety of graduate schools, including the Catholic University of America, DeSales School of Theology, and Marymount University of Virginia. After the close of the Second Vatican Council in the mid-60s, Fr. Nessel was one of the founders of the Washington Theological Union and the Washington Theological Consortium. During this period, Fr. Nessel authored his first two books, more than a dozen scholarly articles, and developed educational handbooks for the theological programs that arose from Vatican II.
Fr. Nessel developed a new model of pastoral field education for seminarians and laity. Fr. Nessel was invited by the Archdiocese of Washington to open the Pastoral Center for Adult Education in 1971. He was also Director of Field Education for the Cluster of Independent Theological Schools in DC.
In 1972, the Provincial asked Fr. Nessel to come to Delaware to develop the Office of Personnel Planning and Continuing Education for the Wilmington-Philadelphia Province. He also designed and supervised the diaconate training program for seminarians of the Wilmington Diocese and the Oblates. During this time, he served on the board of Salesianum School and was canonical advisor to the Provincial and other Oblates.
In 1977, Fr. Nessel developed a model for ministry training for religious and laity at Allentown College (now DeSales University). Fr. Nessel was the first Director of Special Ministries at Allentown College and served as campus minister. He also served as a trustee of Allentown College and was part of the board when the school became DeSales University.
As his presence and work in the Diocese of Allentown became more known, the bishop asked Fr. Nessel to be the founding pastor of a new parish named after the patron of the Oblates. St. Francis de Sales parish was founded in 1982 to serve the people in the western part of Berks County, PA. Father Nessel ministered there until 1987, when he began a sabbatical and completed a Master of Divinity at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia.
Fr. Nessel returned to parochial ministry when he was appointed pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Lewisburg, PA in 1988. Under Fr. Nessel’s leadership and pastoral style, the parish grew and a mission church was added in 1999. Fr. Nessel returned last year to celebrate the 25th anniversary of St. George Mission Church.
In 2004, Fr. Nessel finished his service at Sacred Heart and St. George. He told the people that he would have stayed beyond his 16 years at the parish if the Church did not mandate that pastors retire at a certain age. Fr. Nessel had become a fixture not only in the parish, but in the greater Union County area. He served on boards, councils, and community organizations. In 1996, the State Senate of Pennsylvania issued an official decree congratulating Fr. Nessel on the 40th anniversary of his priestly ordination.
When he left the parish, Father Nessel was assigned to the Fr. Louis Brisson Oblate community on the campus of Fr. Judge High School. Although officially retired, he served on the house council and as community treasurer. He continued to celebrate mass at local churches in northeast Philadelphia, especially at St. Anne, St. Leo, and Our Lady of Consolation parishes. Fr. Nessel was always willing to help Fr. Judge with school penance services and masses. He was also a sacramental minister for the Missionary Servants of the Blessed Trinity at their Motherhouse next door to the school on Solly Avenue.
In 2021, Father Nessel became a member of the retirement community at Annecy Hall in Childs, MD. He continued to serve his brothers by leading prayer, masses, and being a wisdom figure to many members of the community and the staff. Fr. Nessel never missed an opportunity to visit his family, often attending parties, celebrations and sacramental milestones. In turn, many relatives and friends would visit him at Childs. They would often bring cakes and desserts from the Philadelphia-area bakeries and shops many of the retired Oblates had enjoyed over the years.
In 2024, Fr. Nessel celebrated his 95th birthday with family, friends, parishioners, and Oblate confreres. It was so successful that some family members were looking forward to his 100th birthday celebration. Shortly after his birthday, Fr. Nessel’s health began to decline, and he struggled with his daily tasks. He spent the last few months on hospice care. While his body grew weaker, his spirit stayed strong. Always determined, Fr. Nessel continued to come to meals, mass, and prayers.
On the feast of St. John Neumann, Fr. Nessel returned to the Lord. It was said of the pastor and bishop who served German immigrants in Philadelphia, that “he gave of himself for love of his people.” May the same be said of Father William Nessel: priest, pastor, teacher, uncle, and friend. May he rest in peace.
Father Nessel is preceded in death by his parents, sisters, and brothers. He is survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, friends, and his Oblate confreres.
Arrangements:
The visitation for Fr. Nessel will be held from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 10 at the Our Lady of Light Chapel in Childs, MD. The Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 AM.
Burial will be in the Oblate Cemetery at Childs. A light reception will follow.
Condolences may be sent to Bill’s niece:
Ms. Kathy Graham
315 Holly Parkway
Williamstown, NJ 08094