Bishop Emeritus Dale Melczek, the former head of the Diocese of Gary, has died. Melczek passed away early Thursday morning, according to a statement from the current bishop, Robert McClory. Melczek had been left unresponsive after suffering a stroke over the weekend. He was 83 years old.
Bishop Melczek first came to the diocese just over 30 years ago as its apostolic administrator, before officially taking over as bishop in 1996 — a role he held until 2014. But he never fully retired. He then became administrator of St. Mary of the Lake in Miller, where he continued to serve until his death.
Melczek considered addressing racism a priority, according to his obituary, issuing two pastoral letters on the topic in 2002 and 2003. Bishop McClory remembered Melczek as "a true shepherd who loved his flock," adding that he "was still looking for new ways to share the love of Jesus in Northwest Indiana" until his last days.
Gary Mayor Jerome Prince, in a statement, called Melczek "a tremendous role model to everyday people and community leaders."
The Rite of Reception of the Body will take place at Holy Angels Cathedral on Sunday at 1:00 p.m., followed by visitation from 1:30 to 8:00 p.m. Visitation continues Monday morning from 8:30 to 9:45, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30.
