On behalf of the USA Camillian Delegation, we are saddened to announce the passing of Fr. Giuseppe (Joseph, “Fr. Joe”) Bisoffi on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, at the age of 79. Fr. Joe was the son of Marino Bisoffi and Giustina Dell’Eva who were married in Ossana, Trentino, Italy on March 20, 1939. Fr. Joe was born on March 16, 1945, in Dimaro, Italy. He was baptized on March 19, 1945, in the Diocese of Trent, and was confirmed on August 24, 1953.
He entered his seminary formation in Milan in September 1958, followed by his novitiate formation in 1963. He made his first temporary profession of vows in San Giuliano di Quinzano, Verona, Italy on September 26, 1964. He renewed his temporary vows annually from 1965 to 1968. Fr. Joe was a member of the Lombardo-Venetian Province in Italy, and he came to the United States to join and complete his theological formation with the US Camillians in their ministry and mission. He made his final profession of vows in Whitinsville, Massachusetts, on December 27, 1970.
Fr. Joe received his Acolyte and Lectorate ministries at St. Camillus Chapel in Whitinsville, Massachusetts in December 1969, his Sub-diaconate at St. John’s Seminary in Brighton, Massachusetts, and his Diaconate in Whitinsville, Massachusetts in February 1972. He was ordained to the priesthood at San Vigilio Parish in Monclassico, Italy on June 24, 1972. Fr. Joe completed his Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) training in Massachusetts from 1970-1973 and became a Board Certified Chaplain through the National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1996. He served as a Chaplain for many years at both St. Joseph and St. Francis Hospitals in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He also was an active Chaplain for the Knights of Columbus. Fr. Joe also served several times as a Member of the Provincial Councils of the former North American Province. After his retirement, he served as a Hospice Volunteer for the St. Camillus Campus in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin for over 15 years where he spent time visiting with residents, volunteers and staff who became his friends. Fr. Joe was a dedicated Religious and lived out the Camillian charism until the day of his death.
Fr. Joe will be fondly remembered for his outgoing personality, his humor, his kindness, his great knowledge of the history of the Order of St. Camillus, his interest in Theology, and his dedication to his ministry. He enjoyed gardening, sporting events especially Marquette basketball, and visiting with friends that included opportunities to spend time outdoors. He touched the hearts of many residents, staff, volunteers and families throughout his years of ministry.
Please see the funeral home website for Mass information: Click here.
Loving God, welcome Fr. Joe to paradise and help us to comfort each other with the assurance of our faith until we all meet in Christ. Amen