Funeral Mass for Rev. Msgr. Salvatore “Sal” Manganello, J.C.L., S.T.L.

It is with deep sorrow and in the hope of the Resurrection that I share with you the news of the passing of Rev. Msgr. Salvatore “Sal” Manganello, J.C.L., S.T.L., following a brief illness. He was a faithful priest of the Diocese of Buffalo whose life was devoted to Christ and His Church.

Ordained to the priesthood on September 17, 1982, Fr. Sal gave more than four decades of steadfast priestly service to the people of Western New York. Over the course of his ministry, he served the Church not only at the parish level, but also in significant diocesan leadership roles, including as Judicial Vicar and, for a time, Vicar General. His long service reflected both a deep love for the Church and a profound commitment to her people.

Fr. Sal will be remembered in a particular way for his years as pastor of St. Louis Church in downtown Buffalo, where he served from 2004 to 2023. During those years, he helped guide one of the Diocese’s most historic parishes with reverence, steadiness, and devotion. His encouragement also helped advance the planning of the St. Louis museum and archives, ensuring that the heritage of that beloved parish would be preserved for future generations.

Even after stepping back from some formal responsibilities, Fr. Sal remained a familiar and respected priestly presence in the Downtown Family of Parishes. In January 2026, the Diocese announced his retirement as judicial vicar, bringing to a close an extraordinary chapter of official diocesan service, though not the memory of his priestly witness.

Those who knew Fr. Sal knew a priest who brought intelligence, dignity, and fidelity to every assignment entrusted to him. His knowledge of canon law was substantial, but even more important was the constancy with which he served the people of God. He offered the sacraments, preached the Gospel in succinct fashion, accompanied the faithful through joy and sorrow, and gave the Church the benefit of a lifetime of prayerful and disciplined service. Add to that, he was an all-around great guy.

As members of the Downtown Family community, we give thanks for Fr. Sal’s life, his vocation, and his many years of ministry. We commend him to the mercy of Almighty God, trusting that the Lord whom he served so faithfully will now welcome him into the fullness of eternal life.

We are still finalizing the times for Fr. Sal’s wake on Tuesday, March 17 at St. Louis Church, but I can confirm that his funeral will be celebrated at St. Louis by Bishop Michael Fisher on Wednesday, March 18 at 10:00 AM.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.

In Christ,

Fr. Ray Corbin, Pastor