Posted on Thu, Oct. 8, 2009
WILMINGTON, Del. - The Most Rev. Michael Saltarelli, the former bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington, has died.
The Diocese of Wilmington said 77-year-old Saltarelli died early Thursday from cancer. Diocesan spokesman Bob Krebs says it began as bone cancer and spread.
Saltarelli served as bishop of the diocese, which includes Delaware and Maryland's Eastern Shore, until last year.
Saltarelli was born in Jersey City, N.J., and studied at Seton Hall University, Immaculate Conception Seminary and Manhattan College. He was ordained in 1960 and worked in New Jersey until he was appointed bishop of Wilmington in 1995.
In accordance with church law, Saltarelli offered his resignation when he turned 75 and the Most Rev. W. Francis Malooly was installed as bishop in September 2008.
The diocese says Saltarelli's body will be taken to St. Elizabeth Church in Wilmington on Monday, where it will lie in state and two Masses will be conducted.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted Wednesday at 1 p.m. at St. Elizabeth. Burial will follow at All Saints Cemetery in Wilmington.
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