Father Joseph F. Moreno, Jr., sacramental minister of St. Lawrence Parish in Buffalo, died unexpectedly on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012.

A native of Buffalo, Father Moreno was born on June 21, 1958. He was ordained to the priesthood on Apr. 25, 1986, at Holy Spirit Church in Buffalo by Bishop Edward D. Head.

In a statement, Bishop Richard J. Malone, bishop of Buffalo, said, "Father Joe was dedicated to the priesthood, especially when it came to serving others. His presence to the parishioners of St. Lawrence made him much beloved.  Those who knew Father Joe would tell you that he never said, 'No' to anyone, that he took care of everyone, regardless of their lot in life. He was a friend to law enforcement, as evidenced by the large police presence Saturday afternoon responding to the 9-1-1 call, and he was called to serve the elderly at St. Francis Home and members of St. Mary Parish in Cattaraugus. May God grant him eternal rest."

Father Moreno served a number of parishes in the diocese, including:  St.  Aloysius, Springville; St. John, Olean; St. Margaret, North Buffalo and St. Vincent dePaul, Attica.  He also served as a chaplain at St. Francis Nursing Home and was very active in providing ministerial support to law enforcement.

Father Moreno will lie in state at St. Margaret Church in North Buffalo from 2-9 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 18. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Margaret's on Friday, Oct. 19, at 10 a.m.