LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of The Very Reverend Monsignor
Stephen Dutko, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, The character and richness of religious and community life in
this noble Empire State are nourished and fulfilled through the faithful
concern and selfless devotion of those who committed their energies and
purpose to the ministry of others; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, The Very Reverend Monsignor Stephen Dutko of Binghamton, New
York, died on Friday, April 24, 2009, at the age of 92; and
WHEREAS, Monsignor Stephen Dutko distinguished himself in his profes-
sion and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
welfare of his community; and
WHEREAS, Monsignor Stephen Dutko's commitment to excellence, and his
spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, includ-
ing charitable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, A graduate of Union College, Cranford, New Jersey, and Christ
the Savior Seminary, Monsignor Stephen Dutko was ordained to the priest-
hood on May 10, 1942, at St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Bridge-
port, Connecticut; he was assigned to organize St. Mary's Orthodox
Church in Buffalo, where he served as pastor until 1947; he was then
transferred to St. Michael's Orthodox Church in Freeland, Pennsylvania;
and
WHEREAS, While pastor of St. Michael's, Monsignor Stephen Dutko over-
saw the building of a new rectory, the completion of the church and the
construction of an educational center with a bowling alley; in September
of 1961, he assumed the pastorate of St. Michael's Greek Catholic Church
in Binghamton; and
WHEREAS, While pastor of St. Michael's, Monsignor Stephen Dutko over-
saw many projects, including the renovation of the church and the
installation of new church bells and towers; in 1964, he spearheaded the
establishment of what has become the annual Lenten pirohi project at St.
Michael's; and
WHEREAS, Although he was affectionately known as "The Pirohi King" to
many, the highlights of Monsignor Stephen Dutko's pastorate was his
selfless outreach to those ill at home and in the hospital and his
boundless love and service for the children of the parish; he was the
spiritual father for many, served as director of the Diocesan Altar Boy
Retreat for over 30 years and fostered 13 vocations to the priesthood,
nine of whom were from St. Michael's; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his wife, Pani Mary Dzuback Dutko in 1990 and
his son, Richard in 1967, Monsignor Stephen Dutko is survived by two
sons and daughters-in-law, the Very Reverend Protopresbyter James S. and
Pani Kathleen Dutko, and David and Cheryl Dutko, as well as his grand-
children, Richard, James, Christina and Matthew; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of The Very Reverend Monsignor Stephen Dutko, distin-
guished citizen and devoted member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of The Very Reverend Monsignor Stephen Dutko.