Rev. Fr. Stephen David Dube'
July 11, 1952 ~ September 14, 2006
Father Stephen David Dube', 54, Pastor of Saint Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church in Weirton, died Thursday, September 14, 2006 at the Weirton Medical Center.
He was born on July 11, 1952 in Lewistown, PA to David and Maxine Trafton Dube', now residing in Weirton.
In addition to his parents, Father Dube' is survived by his sisters Jeanne Dube' of Ebensburg, PA and Diane and Todd Hancock, and their three children, Amelia, Anthony, and Kalina of Hastings, Nebraska.
At the age of nine, Father Dube' knew he wanted to be a priest. As a result of his father’s job transfer, his family moved to Parkersburg, WV, for his senior year of high school, where he graduated from Parkersburg High School. He did his college seminary training at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, OH and graduated from the Saint Mary’s Seminary and University in Baltimore, MD.
He was ordained by the late Bishop Joseph Hodges on May 13, 1978. Father Dube’s first assignment was in Weirton, WV, where he served as Associate Pastor at Saint Paul’s Church from 1978–1980 and Saint Joseph the Worker from 1980–1983. In June of 1983, he was named the pastor of Christ Our Hope Parish in Harrisville, WV. He served as an administrator from 1983-1987 at the Saint Patrick Parish in West Union, WV and pastor of Saint John’s in Saint Mary’s, WV from 1987-1993. In 1993 until 1996, he served as pastor of Saint Catherine and Saint Louis Mission in Ronceverte, WV. In 1996, he was assigned to Saint Joseph the Worker Church in Weirton, where he served as pastor until 2006. Father Dube' was also the Vicar of the Wheeling Deanery from 1997 until 2005 and Chaplain of Weirton Madonna High School since 2003.
He enjoyed sports. For the past 16 years, Father Dube' was an umpire and referee for local baseball and basketball leagues. He also served as the public address announcer for Weirton Madonna Basketball and Football. He enjoyed snow skiing, attending professional baseball games and reading to improve his faith and spiritual life.
Family and friends will be received 3:00-7:30PM Sunday, September 17, 2006 at Saint Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church, 229 California Avenue, Weirton, WV where Vigil Services will be conducted at 7:30PM.
Funeral Liturgy with Mass will be celebrated 11AM Monday at St. Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church. Interment will be in St. Paul Cemetery.
It is requested that charitable contributions, in lieu of flowers, be donated to the Saint Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church Memorial Fund, 229 California Avenue, Weirton, WV 26062.
Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of the Greco Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street, Weirton, WV.
Share tributes with his family at www.grecohertnick.com
To the Family of Father Dube` Even though my parents were not parishioners of St. Joe’s, Fr. Dube` was very attentive to them over the years. My family rememberes with fondness the Anointing of the Sick service he had in the family home for my mother in March of 2005, prior to her death in April of that year. Each tme I called home to Weirton, my own father would keep me informed as to “Fr. Dube'” health and we all held him in prayer. On a personal level, over my years with the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, I was honored to call Steve a brother in ministry. His untimely death is a profound loss for Weirton and moreover the Diocese. Be assured of my heartfelt sympathy and continued prayers. Sincerely, Stanley T. Tuchalski
To Father Dube’s Family, I am deeply saddened by Father’s passing. He was a wonderful Priest and friend to me. He helped me through some very difficult times in my life. I’ll never forget his kindness. My most sincere condolences to your family. Dawn (Rossi) Bell
Fr. Dube was definitely someone that touched my life. This past Madonna Prom Social me and my mother saw him and told him that we were going to keep him in our thoughts and prayers ,because of the condition he was in, the best we could. That’s another reason why I’m so upset he’s gone now. Fr. Dube did a great job doing the work of God during his earthly life. My life was definitely effected spiritually and religiously because of him. May the Lord Jesus Christ and God Our Heavenly Father be with the Surviving Members of his family as they pass through this time of hardship.
Father Steve and I shared many times together socially and spiritually as we prepared for the Teens Encounter Christ (TEC) weekends. After the weekday mass I would always wish him well and he would always say, “thanks be to God”. I and the TEC community will sadly miss him. Prayers for the family. Jim
Father Dube’ – When we were playing football and had to take a knee, you always announced on the PA system that we were genuflecting. We genuflect now in your honor. You will be missed!
Father Dubie, We will sadly miss your pleasant smile, love of God, and love of sports in our Ohio Valley. You will always be remenbered with the building of your “Dubie Dome.” Thanks for the wonderful memories at St. Joseph’s parish. You will be missed!! Love Ya, Patti, Joe, Andre, Bianca and Liana Barnabei
It is amazing how many times God wove Father Dube into the fabic of our lives throughout his ministry in the Weirton area. He baptized our son David in 1982. He supported our parents at times of illness, and he helped us through the passing of our mothers. We enjoyed celebrating Christmas, Easter, and other Sunday Masses with him when we gathered as a family in Weirton. Father Dube was a true inspiration to us and a faithful minister of the Church to which he was called. We were privilaged to call Father Dube a friend during his earthly ministry and will miss him as he returns home to God the Father who he served so well. Walt & Rita (Cantini) Tuchalski Gettysburg, PA
Father Steve was a wonderful example of true christian love. His infectious smile, open arms, and nonjudgemental spirit have touched the lives and hearts of many; we were truly blessed. I know that he’ll be looking down from heaven still trying to guide us. When we’re a little off kilter, we’ll hear his soft reproach of–“Now, now, now!” I will miss him. May God, our loving Father, wrap His arms around Father Steve’s family and give them comfort.
To Father Dube’s Family, We go back a long time in Father’s amazing life as a priest and a very dear friend. He was there for my children when they needed a friend and he was there for me when I needed his guidance. He will be greatly missed in Weirton, especially at St Joes. God bless him and all of you in this time of grief. I know he is looking down on us and still praying for us. My love and prayers are with all of you.
I am devistated to hear of the loss of Fr. Dube. I remember his first job at St. Pauls when I was a student there and serving mass for him. I always felt that he was an excellent christian example to all the parishes, the students, and the families of Weirton. He will be missed.
As a nurse at Weirton Medical Center I had the privilege of caring for Father several times over the past few months. I was very saddened to hear of his passing. May God be with you.
We extend our sympathy to Father Steve’s family whom we knew when they lived in Parkersburg. He was a dear person and will be deeply missed. We will keep him and his family in our prayers. Sally and Don McDonie and family
Bob and Ernestine Gissy of Parkersburg, WV send their sympathy to the Dube family in the passing of Father Steve.
The “Voice of the Blue Dons” is quieted now. I will never enter Jimmy Carey Stadium again without thinking of him and smiling. In March of 1982, Father Dube baptized our daughter, Katie, after noon Mass. Father Altmeyer’s body was to lie in state at St. Joseph’s that very day, and the bishop was expected within the hour. Father Steve was a young associate pastor with huge responsibilities, yet he was calm and composed, bringing another little soul into the Church. That was my first insight into his character. Now it is his turn to lie in state, and as a friend, I wish it hadn’t come so soon. My love and prayers are with you, Maxine and David. You raised a good son.
I knew Steve years ago Id say around 69 or 70. We worked together in a resturant. It was Burger Chef hamburger resturant. He was a very unique and wonderfull person. Ive alwas wonder if he ever fulfilled his desire to become a priest. I guess he did. I have thought of this often over the years recent as last week wondering how Id ever find out. At least I know where he is now and will see him again one of these days when the Lord call me home also. Ron
My husband and I worked with Fr. Dube on a Confirmation retreat for high school students while Fr. was at St. Paul Parish. We always thought he represented the church so well. He really loved the students. We are sorry to hear he is parted from us. Barbara and Kevin DeFebbo
You will be greatly missed Father. Fr. Dube was a wonderful priest and spiritual director. I remember while at the Josephinum, Father coming up to visit us West Virginia guys to encourage us and take us out for a meal. Later, a number of seminarians and myself were invited to Saint Mary’s to help Father with a confirmation retreat, it remains a spiritual high point in my own journey. Thank you Father for bringing us closer to the Lord, and for being a Great Person, and an excellent priest. You were, and are, a role model to the seminarians and all those you ministered to.
Father Dube was surely an asset to the entire community . I was blessed to meet him during my employment at Weirton Medical Center as a nurse. He was always a comfort to those I cared for, their families and to the nursing staff dealing with difficult situations. He often included me when praying in a dying parishoner’s room. I feel honored to have known him.
Our deepest sympathies to Father Steve’s family. Father Steve baptised my youngest daughter at the age of 12 and made her feel so special in doing so. We are truly saddened by Father’s passing.
I would like to express my deepest sympathy’s to everyone in your family. I did not personally know Stephen even though we were in the same graduating class at PHS in 1970. That is one of the big drawbacks to a large school. After finding out how Stephen knew what he wanted to do so early in life, I really admire him and throughout his life he was in contact with so many lives. I know he will be missed and would like again to send my condolances and those of our graduating class. Sincerely, Mark Edwards
Fr. will be missed. He meant so much to all of the children. My love and prayers to his family. I am thankful to have known him.
To the Family of Fr. Dube: I, St. Joseph the Worker Parish Family (which was privileged to have him as our associate and then as pastor), and the entire Weirton Community have suffered a great loss in the passing of Fr. Dube. He was a kind man, always smiling and always helping us to see the bright side of a situation. He gave generously of himself. I don’t remember him ever saying an unkind word about anyone. We will surely miss him. I pray that our Dear Lord and His Blessed Mother will surround you all with comfort and peace in the days ahead.
To Father Dube’s family, we will miss Father Dube at St. Joesph’s. I willmiss listening to him doing the games for Madonna and Weir high. He was avery good person and a super priest.He will also be missed by alot of people in Weirton.He was all ways their for all. Now he is with the Lord.Arden NAncy andJeffrey Ford
When we worked with the youth group in Beckley, we had the opportunity to work with Fr. Steve on many occasions. He was always willing to help with youth activities, TEC weekends, and Confirmation retreats. What a gift he was to the youth people of this diocese and to those ministering to them! He was so positive and supportive, and a shining example of Christ’s love. We know that he is now smiling that wonderful smile down on all of us from heaven, and saying, as he often did….”very good!” Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless you. Theresa and Tony O’Leary
I was able to be present for the viewing last evening but unable to speak to you. I want to let you know that you are in my prayers and thoughts. The weeks and months ahead will undoubtedly be difficult but please know you are remembered in prayer. I will also celebrate Mass for Steve in the next week or so. God bless and keep you!
I am very saddened to hear about Father Dube’s passing. He was a great priest and a wonderful friend. He presided over many family weddings, baptisms and funerals. I enjoyed visiting Weirton and coming to his masses. We will all truly miss him and his wonderful smiling face.
I am sadden to hear of Fr Steve’s passing. I knew him from his time at St Johns in St Marys. He was a wonderful person and kind man. He was such an inspiration to all the young people at St Johns. I will miss him.
We offer our symapthy and prayers for your loss. Father Dube’ was a good friend and he will be missed. God Bless Your Family.
The Daugherty Family of West Union, WV sends our heartfelt sympathies and prayers to Fr. Dube’s family as well as our thanks for his faithful service to the people of West Virginia. We were very fortunate to know him during his service and ministry to the people of Ritchie and Doddridge Counties. His commitment, enthusiasm, leadership, hardwork, and faithfilled life greatly impacted our parish communities. We are so thankful for his time at St. Parick’s Parish and Christ Our Hope Parish. You are in our prayers.
To the Family of Father Steve Duby, For 20 years, I was the pastor of the Cove Presbyterian Church in Weirton. It was my privilege to be able to work and enjoy Father Steve in our respective ministries. I could always count on him to assist in any ecumenical function as well as share in weddings and funerals. He was a great friend and will be surely missed in Weirton. I count it a Blessing to have known him. You have our thoughts and our prayers. In Christian Love, Rev & Mrs. Terry Stoops
Father Dube’ your life and ministry will continue to live as an example to all who knew you. I’ll remember your kindness, your quiet, compassionate gift of listening, and consoling. It was only a few months ago that you ministered, from your own hospital bed, to our beloved brother-in-law Larry Mitchell. Your words gave him courage and peace in those last days. You showed us not only how to live but how to die, serving in grace and love till God called you home.
Fr. Dube was a wonderful family friend and priest. He presided at our wedding in October 2003 and we were so happy that he was able to travel to Charleston from Weirton to be a part of our special day. He was always willing to give of his time and energy and will be missed greatly by our family and the everyone who knew him. Rest in peace dear friend. Our thoughts and prayers will be with your family in the coming days and months.
Dear Family of Father Steve, I am very sorry to hear of the death of your son and brother. I was one of the priests on sabbatical with Steve in the fall of 2001 in Menlo Park, California. My favorite memory of Steve is during our reunion in August, 2004, three of us priests went hiking in Muir Woods north of San Francisco, and celebrated Mass among the Redwood trees. Steve talked fondly of his family and his parish, his love for you was very evident. You will be in my thoughts and prayers as I celebrate a Mass in honor of Steve at St. Michael parish. Father Jim Eisele
Dear family of Fr. Steve, I was saddened to hear from Fr. Rene, a fellow classmate from our sabbatical at St. Patrick’s seminary, Menlo Park, CA in the fall of 2001, of Fr. Steve’s death. I have many fond memories of his refereeing our volleyball games, sharing his enthusiasm for sports, and sharing several short trips and drives during our 3 months together. He joined Rene and I at DisneyWorld in Orlando for his 50th birthday celebration, and we had a great time together then. Please know that you are in my prayers and masses. Msgr. Anderson
My name is Fred Ferri. I am the head basketball coach at Oak Hill High School. I met Fr. Dube when i was an asst. baseball and basketball coach at OHHS. Fr. Dube umpired several of our games vs. Green. East and we talked and I found out that he was a priest and he found out that i belonged to SS. Peter and Paul in Oak Hill, so we became friends. We always ran into each other at the state basketball tourn. He came down to courtside to speak and to congratulate me the first time my team made it to the state tour. I always appreciated that. I was shocked and very saddened to read of Fr. Dubes’ death. My sincere condolences to his family and my prayers are with Fr. Dube. He was a wonderful man. One quick story. Once, when we were playing GE, he was umpiring with a local minister. He informed me of such, and said that i better behave myself. I told our team of the situation and that we must act accordingly, because my soul was at stake. Fr. Dube got a kick out of that.
Father Dube’ You and me always had a special connection, I was the only person that you’ve ever baptised, gave the first holy communion, and confermed. I will never forget at our meeting at your house, you promised me you’d come back and marry me. Although you promised me that, I know that God needed you with him. And no matter where I’m getting married I know that you will be with me in the end watching me. You mean so much to me and I miss you more and more everyday and it’s so sad going to chruch now knowing that you wont be there. I love and miss you. Ashleigh Lancaster
I went to Sacred Heart School with Stephen from K-7 , 1957-1965, and he was a very good student. His Mother was our Cub Scout Pack leader and we met at their house every week as I recall…I recall his parents were from Maine….I had no contact with him since then but was sad to learn just now that he entered eternity at age 54. Rest In Peace, Fr Steve, and praying for you…..What did he die from? so sad to go so early…
Mike Bosch
Sydney, Australia