On behalf of the USA Camillian Delegation, we are sad to announce the news of Fr. Albert “Albie” Otto Schempp’s passing on Thursday, January 25, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. Fr. Albie was the son of Albert Schempp and Lois Tiedeman who were married in Pittsburgh, PA on January 5, 1948. Fr. Albie was born on November 25, 1948 in Pittsburgh, PA. He was baptized on August 15, 1972 in the Diocese of Pittsburgh and was confirmed on the same day. He joined the Order of St. Camillus in Milwaukee, WI in June 2000 followed by his novitiate formation. He had his first temporary profession of vows at the San Camillo Chapel in Wauwatosa, WI on October 5,2001. He renewed his vows in 2002 and2003. He had his final profession of vows in the same chapel on September 25, 2004. Fr. Albie was already an ordained Deacon for many years when he joined the Order of St. Camillus. His passion to serve the sick led him to the Order of St. Camillus. He was ordained as a Deacon at Saints Peter and Paul Church in Beaver, PA on May 24, 1975. After his final profession of vows, he was ordained to the Priesthood on December 4, 2004. Fr. Albie’s first assignment was on the St. Camillus Campus where he served as a Chaplain in the Independent Living area. After ten years as a Chaplain, he requested to return to Pittsburgh to work as a Hospital Chaplain. Fr. Albie served as a Hospital Chaplain until the time of his death.
Fr. Albie earned his Bachelor’s degree in Economics in 1971 from the University of Pittsburgh. He also earned his Master’s degree in Business Administration in 1978 at Berry University in Miami, FL. He participated in the summer program in Senior Executive Development in 1981 at Harvard University in Massachusetts. He had taken a coursework in Education and Community Counseling in 1992 at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. Finally, he earned his Masters of Divinity in 1976 at St. Francis Seminary in Loretto, PA.
Fr. Albie will be remembered for his outgoing personality and dedication to his ministry. He had touched the hearts of many residents, patients, staff and families throughout his years of ministry both at St. Camillus and at the hospital in Pittsburgh. Fr. Albie’s last wish was to be buried with his family at the Allegheny Cemetery in Pittsburgh, PA where he will be interred beside his mother. Prior to interment, there will be a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Stanislaus Church in Pittsburgh. A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, February 2, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at San Camillo Chapel, St. Camillus West Residence, 10200 W. Bluemound Road, Wauwatosa, WI 53226.
Loving God, welcome Fr. Albie to paradise and help us to comfort each other with the assurance of our faith until we all meet in Christ. Amen