Father Walter John Paulits, 1923-2011

Rev. Walter J. Paulits, Ph.D, founding pastor of Our Lady of the Chesapeake, died on June 4 at age 88.  Between his viewing and funeral on June 9, the church provided dinner.  Paulits had requested a roast, so after dinner, a photo slideshow played while his request was honored!  Following is the obituary from McCully Funeral Home. 

Reverend Walter J. Paulits, Ph.D, 88, died on June 4, 2011, at Pear Tree House Assisted Living.  Father was the son of the late Martin and Anna (Meinzinger) Paulits, and beloved brother of Marie C. Reid.  Father Walter earned an undergraduate degree in English Literature from Catholic University in 1947, and a Master’s Degree in English and American Literature at the University of Pittsburgh.  In 1955 Father completed his work on his Ph.D.  Father’s religious ministry began as a Christian Brother, and he taught both high school and collegiate courses at LaSalle in Philadelphia, PA.  In 1969 he was named Dean of LaSalle College’s Evening Division.  After leaving the Brothers, Father Paulits attended Mt. St. Mary’s Seminary, and was ordained a priest in 1972.  After short assignments as St. Francis of Assisi in Baltimore and St. John’s in Westminster, he took on the challenge of starting a mission in Lake Shore, MD.  In 1980 the mission became the Parish of Our Lady of the Chesapeake, and in 1986 after much work and dedication, a new church building was dedicated.  Father Paulits served as Founding Pastor of Our Lady of the Chesapeake until his retirement in 1991, but he continued to serve the parish until his death.  Father Paulits was preceded in death by his brothers Matthew and John.  In Addition to his sister, his niece Joan, and his nephew Jack, Jim, Ken, and Dennis Survive Father. 

Paulits was bured at Our Lady of Grace Church Cemetery in Penndel, PA.  Any donations given in honor of father Walter should be directed toward the St. Vincent dePaul Society of Our Lady of the Chesapeake.