The Reverend Lawrence J. Bayer, (age 93)
Pastor Emeritus, Saint Bridget of Kildare Parish, Parma,
died Monday, 4 August 2025, after having received the prayerful support and consolation of the Sacraments.
Lawrence Joseph BAYER was born on 19 January 1932. His beloved parents were the late Andrew and Helen (nee Fischler). He was the loving brother of the late Kenneth (Gloria Nadbath). He was the dear uncle of Thomas Bayer (Jean) of Chattanooga TN and Andrea Stupi (Robert) of LaCrosse, WI. Fr. Bayer is the great uncle of Mike, Alexis, Brandon, Kyle, and Aaron, and great great uncle of Landon, Madison, Adelynn, Camryn, Kayden, and Macey.
He was educated at Immaculate Conception Elementary School, Cleveland, St. Aloysius Elementary School, Cleveland, St. Ignatius High School, Cleveland, St. Meinrad College, Indiana, and St. Mary Seminary, Cleveland. On 24 May 1958 in the Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist, Archbishop Edward F. Hoban ordained him to the priesthood for the service of the Diocese of Cleveland.
Fr. Bayer's first assignment was as Parochial Vicar of St. Paul, Akron. On 13 June 1963 he was transferred to serve Assumption, Broadview Hts. as Parochial Vicar. On 11 June 1964 Fr. Bayer was appointed Assistant Chaplain at University Hospitals, Cleveland with residence at Our Lady of Peace, Cleveland. In addition to this assignment he served as Chaplain for the Cleveland Chapter of Catholic Nurses effective 8 October 1964. Fr. Bayer was assigned Parochial Vicar of St. Marian, Cleveland on 11 July 1967. Fr. Bayer was transferred on 24 June 1971 to serve as Parochial Vicar of St. Charles Borromeo, Parma. On 21 February 1976 Fr. Bayer was named Pastor of St. Bridget of Kildare Parma. During this assignment he served as Associate Judge for the Diocesan Tribunal. Fr. Bayer retired on 31 January 2005 and was named Pastor Emeritus of St. Bridget of Kildare, Parma. Fr. Bayer was a kind and gentle soul who dedicated his life to the service of the Church. He was a soft spoken priest who loved the people of St. Bridget Parish and was grateful for the priestly fraternity in the diocese.
The wake will begin with Vespers on Sunday, 10 August 2025 in St. Bridget of Kildare Church, 5620 Hauserman Road, Parma, OH 44130, at 3:00 PM. Bishop Michael G. Woost will be the presider and Fr. Rob Wisniewski will be the homilist. The wake will continue until 5:00 PM. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, 11 August 2025 in St. Bridget of Kildare Church, 11:00 AM . Bishop Martin J. Amos will be the main celebrant and Fr. Joe Workman will be the homilist. Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Brook Park.
To offer condolences, please leave a comment below. Arrangements by The Zabor Funeral Home, Parma.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Fr. Bayer's name, should be made to St. Bridget of Kildare Parish.