Obituary of Father Benedict Edward Kapa

Father Benedict “Benny” Edward Kapa, 67, of Bridgeport, passed away January 26, 2020. He was born on Jan. 1, 1953, in Philadelphia, PA. He was preceded in death by his parents Benedict J. and Helen (Kugiel) Kapa; and brother, Stanley F. Kapa. Father Kapa graduated from La Salle College High School in Wyndmoor, Pa., in 1970. He went on to receive an undergraduate degree at LaSalle University in Philadelphia in 1975; and a master’s degree in Public Administration from Penn State University in 1978. In 1987, he earned a teaching certification in Social Studies from Allentown College. He received a master’s degree in Literature from American University in 1993. In 1995, he earned a master’s in theology; and in 1998 earned his master’s in Divinity from St. Vincent’s Seminary. He was ordained a priest on June 3, 2000, at St. Joseph Cathedral, Wheeling, W.Va., by Bishop Bernard W. Schmitt. He served as associate pastor of St. Joseph the Worker, Weirton; and St. Margaret Mary, Parkersburg. He was pastor of St. Charles Borromeo, White Sulphur Springs; St. James the Apostle Parish, Clarksburg; Sacred Heart Parish, Salem; St. Patrick Mission, West Union; Annunciation of Our Lord, Ft. Ashby; St. Anthony, Ridgeley; and (temporary administrator) Our Lady of Grace, Romney. Since June of 2012, he has been serving as the fourth pastor of All Saints Parish in Bridgeport and Vocations Promotor for the Diocese. Father Kapa worked as a high school teacher for several years in his early career, and after he was ordained taught religion at Madonna High School, while serving at St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Weirton. He was a proud member of the National Catholic Education Association, National Association of Pastoral Musicians, and the Knights of Columbus. Friends will be received at All Saints Church, 317 E. Main Street, Bridgeport, on Wednesday, January 29, from 2:00 PM -8:00 PM with a Vigil Service to be held at 7:30 PM and on Thursday from 9:00 AM – 9:40 AM. The Catholic Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated on Thursday, January 30, 2020 at 10:00 AM at All Saints Church with the Most Rev. Mark E. Brennan as celebrant; and All Saints associate pastor Father Christopher Turner as homilist. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the All Saints Parish Building Fund, 317 E. Main Street, Bridgeport, WV. 26330. Condolences may be extended at www.fordfuneralhomes.com. The Kapa family has entrusted the care an arrangements to the Ford Funeral Home, 215 East Main Street, Bridgeport, WV.