By Tony DeGol
Proclaim!
With great sadness, the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown announces the passing of the Reverend D. Timothy Grimme, Pastor of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus Parish in Altoona.
Father Grimme passed on March 17, 2023, after an extended illness.
Born in Altoona on December 15, 1949, the son of the late Robert and Lucy (Jorkasky) Grimme, Father Grimme attended Saint Mark Elementary School in Altoona, Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School in Altoona and the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. His seminary formation occurred at Saint John’s University School of Divinity in Collegeville, Minnesota.
He was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown on May 28, 1977, at Saint Mark Parish in Altoona. His early assignments included Parochial Vicar at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Altoona, Saint Benedict Parish in Johnstown, and Saint John the Evangelist Parish in Bellefonte. He was also a Religion instructor at Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School from 1977 to 1984.
Father Grimme served as Pastor of Saint Joseph Parish in Renovo from 1989-1993 and Pastor of Saint John the Evangelist Parish in Bellefonte from 1993-2002.
He was appointed Pastor of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus Parish on July 24, 2002, the faith community he led until his passing.
On the diocesan level over the years, Father Grimme served on the Presbyteral Council, Priests’ Personnel Board, Finance Council, College of Consulters, and Liturgy Committee. He was also a former Vicar Forane (Dean) of the Northern Deanery (Centre/Clinton Counties).
“Father Grimme was a dedicated servant of the Lord throughout his priesthood,” said Bishop Mark Bartchak. “His passing is a tremendous loss not only for his beloved parishioners at Saint Therese of the Child Jesus, but for our entire Diocesan Church. May the Lord welcome Father Grimme into the glory of His Heavenly Kingdom.”
Bishop Bartchak went on to extend his deepest sympathy to the Grimme family, Father Grimme’s brother priests and deacons, and the parishioners of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus.
Various priests of the diocese will celebrate Masses at Saint Therese of the Child Jesus in the coming weeks until the Bishop appoints a new Pastor or Administrator for the parish.
Father Grimme’s body was received at Saint Therese of the Child Jesus on Thursday, March 23, after which a visitation and vigil was held. A funeral Mass was celebrated on Friday, March 24 at Saint Therese of the Child Jesus with Bishop Mark presiding.
