Reverend James G. Salberg

Reverend James G. Salberg, age 74, of Prospect, the retired pastor of Saint Andrew Roman Catholic Church in Butler, passed away Saturday, March 24, at the VNA Inpatient Hospice in Butler.
Born August 20, 1943 in Beaver, PA, he was the son of the late Will C. Salberg and Bettie Wolf Salberg Smith. He was also a treasured son of Robert W. “Noah” Smith, who raised Father from age 5 after his dad, Will C. Salberg, passed away.
Father Salberg was a graduate of Gannon University and Saint Vincent Seminary.
He was ordained a priest in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh in May, 1969.
He served as Parochial Vicar at Sacred Heart/Saint Peter Parish in Tarentum from 1969- 1974 and at Saint Joseph Parish in Port Vue from 1974 – 1976. From 1976- 1997, Father served as the Catholic Chaplain at the State Correctional Institution (Western Penitentiary) in Pittsburgh. In 1996, while still ministering at the prison, Father was appointed pastor of Saint Andrew Parish in Butler. He remained at Saint Andrew until he retired in 2013.
Father Salberg had a lifelong history advocating for marginalized members of the community and for people and causes dedicated to protecting the environment. These included Dismas House which supported former offenders transitioning to community life and Pete Seeger’s Hudson River Sloop Clearwater Organization. He was generous with his time and talent, ministering to a wide flock who benefitted from his keen eye, sharp wit, and generosity.
He was a devoted son and caregiver, dedicating himself to his mother during the final years of her life. This very personal ministry resulted in an extended network of caregivers and friends who were welcomed as family. Father Salberg’s vision will continue through St. Vincent College’s Bettie Smith Research & Education Center at De Gustibus Farm.
Father Salberg is survived by many loving family members, friends, parishioners, and his brother Diocesan priests.
Friends will be received in the Martin Funeral Home, Inc., 429 Center Avenue, Butler, on Tuesday from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
A Vesper Service will be held on Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Saint Andrew Roman Catholic Church, 1660 North Main Street Extension, Butler. Additional visitation will take place at the church until 9 p.m. Tuesday.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Saint Andrew Church, with Bishop David Zubik as celebrant.
Burial will take place in Calvary Cemetery, Butler.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Saint Andrews Roman Catholic Church in Butler, PA.
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