Early Life
Fr. Fedor was born on August 5, 1957 in Conneaut, Ohio to Frank (d. 2011) and Marian (d. 2010) Fedor. He has two older siblings: Cheryl Kimmel and David Fedor. Each sibling has three sons, and he has five great nieces and nephews.
Fr. Fedor attended grade school at St. Mary in Conneaut and then went on to graduate from St. John High School, Ashtabula, in 1975. He enrolled in Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio and graduated with a BA in Economics in 1979. He did graduate studies at the Athenaeum of Ohio (Mount St. Mary of the West Seminary) in Cincinnati, Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, and St. Mary Seminary (the Graduate School of Theology) He holds a master’s degree in theology and is a candidate for a Doctor of Ministry degree. His deep love for scripture study inspires him to attend the annual Scripture Institute at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.
Priesthood
Fr. Fedor was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Youngstown on June 18, 1983 in St. Columba Cathedral by Bishop James W. Malone. His first assignment as Associate Pastor was at St. Paul, North Canton. In 1989 he began teaching at Cardinal Mooney High School in Youngstown and became the Associate Principal in 1991. During this time, he regularly celebrated Mass at Mt. Union College; St. Joseph Church, Austintown; KSU Newman Center, Kent; Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Aurora; St. Robert Church, Cortland; St. Christine Church, Youngstown; and St. Luke Church, Boardman.
Between 1998 and 2009, Fr Fedor served as Administrator and Pastor at the following parishes:
- Vincent de Paul, Vienna (Administrator, 1998)
- Mary, Orwell (Pastor, 1998-2009)
- Sacred Heart, Rock Creek (Administrator, 2002; Pastor, 2003-2009)
In 2009, Fr. Fedor was installed as the 5th Pastor of St. Joseph Church in Austintown where he continues to serve. In 2021, he was also named Pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Austintown.
Special Ministries
In addition to his regular work as a priest and pastor, Fr. Fedor has dedicated his time to various other ministries in and beyond the diocese:
- Diocese of Youngstown Presbyterial Council
- The Ohio Bishops’ Advisory Council of the Catholic Conference of Ohio
- Diocese of Youngstown Lay Ministry Formation Program, Catechist
- Cardinal Mooney H.S. Assistant Track Coach (Throwing Events)
- Cardinal Mooney H.S. Football Chaplain
- North Canton Ministerial Association
- Grand Valley Interfaith Service
Interests
Fr. Fedor began playing football in grade school and developed a lifelong passion for the sport. He played at St. John High School and then went on to play at Kenyon College as a 4-year first team offensive lineman. During the years he was the chaplain for the Mooney football team, he got to know the players well. He continues to follow the careers of several Mooney alumni who have gone on to coach at major universities. Fr. Fedor’s football experience formed his deep appreciation for teamwork and has shaped his approach to spirituality and pastoral leadership.
In addition to football, he has a long history with track & field and golf. He competed in shot put at St. John High School under the inspirational coaching of Fr. Scott Copeland (deceased). Fr. Fedor went on to become a coach himself at Mooney and was on the staff when they became the first city of Youngstown team to win a state championship in 1990. Golf has been an enjoyable hobby, but Fr. Fedor even gets serious about hobbies. He attended a golf school in Tampa, Florida in 1989 to sharpen his skills. He continues to enjoy golf, especially the annual St. Joseph outing at Mill Creek Golf Course.
In addition to sports participation, he is a fan of Cleveland professional sports teams. He also enjoys listening to music, watching concert videos, and occasionally attending live performances. He likes movies, usually action and sci fi. He also enjoys reading books on Scripture and history.