Reverend William Vincent Callery Jr.

Reverend William Vincent Callery Jr., affectionately known as Father Bill, passed away peacefully on November 6, 2025, at the age of 84. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Vincent and Nora Coyne Callery; his sister, Mary Virginia Orner; his brother-in-law, Amos B. Orner Jr.; and Carolyn Sue Callery. He is survived by his brother, John Coyne Callery; his sister-in-law, Joan Mongello Callery; his children, Michael Thomas Callery, John Marvin Callery, and Cheryl Callery Hicks; his daughter-in-law, Debbie Lynn Callery; his son-in-law, Brian Scott Hicks; his grandchildren, Cassandra Lee Callery, Hannah Louise Callery, Elijah Malcolm Hicks, Keira Lynn Callery, Benjamin James Callery, Caroline Mary Hicks, and Adam Daniel Callery; his great granddaughter, Abigail Rose Callery; and many nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Born and raised in the Greenfield neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Father Bill attended St. Rosalia Grade School and Central Catholic High School, graduating in 1958. He graduated from Duquesne University in 1962 with a degree in Business Administration. Following graduation, he served as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army, with assignments across various military bases, including a Nike missile site in Seoul, South Korea. Years later, Father Bill answered a deeper calling and began his journey toward the priesthood. He studied at Holy Apostles College & Seminary in Cromwell, Connecticut, from 1996 to 1998 and Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology in Hales Corners, Wisconsin, from 1998 to 2001, and was ordained in the Diocese of Fargo, North Dakota, in 2001. He served at St. Alphonsus in Langdon, St. Joseph’s in Bremen, St. Augustine in Fessenden, Assumption in Dickey, Holy Rosary in LaMoure, and St. Raphael’s in Verona, all in North Dakota. Over the years, he faithfully served as pastor, offering spiritual guidance, compassion, and unwavering dedication to his congregations. Even in retirement, as a resident of Emmaus Place of the Diocese of Bismarck, North Dakota, since 2018, Father Bill remained a devoted servant, always willing to assist when called upon.

Father Bill never lost touch with his Pittsburgh roots. He followed, and liked to talk about, both the Pirates and the Steelers. On trips back to Pittsburgh, Father Bill always found the time to visit the St. Paul of the Cross Monastery. He found that St. Paul’s offered him peace and calm for prayer, as he overlooked the panoramic view of the City of Pittsburgh and its Three Rivers.

Father Bill will be remembered for his humility, generosity, and steadfast devotion to God and His people. His life was a testament to faith, service, and love. Those who knew him were touched by his kindness and inspired by his commitment to living out his beliefs.

A vigil service and visitation will be held Thursday, Nov. 13, beginning at 6 pm at Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo, and the funeral mass, with Bishop John Folda as celebrant and Father James Gross as homilist, will be held Friday, Nov. 14, at 10 am at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fargo. Burial will follow in Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery North at 1502 32nd Avenue North in Fargo. The funeral mass will be livestreamed and recorded via Boulger Funeral Service’s website, and a memorial celebration of life will be held in Pittsburgh in summer 2026.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in support of priests’ care in retirement, through the Diocese of Fargo’s Living Our Faith, Building Our Future capital campaign (by mail, to 5201 Bishops Boulevard South, Suite A, Fargo, North Dakota 58104, or online) and/or Emmaus Place (by mail, to 1020 North 26th Street, Bismarck, North Dakota 58501, or online).

As his earthly mission concludes, his family finds comfort in knowing that Father Bill is now reunited with loved ones who went before him, embraced in the eternal peace he so faithfully preached.