Rev. David J. Baehr was born on December 15, 1938 to parents Rosalie Hogan Baehr and George Baehr. He was educated at St. John Parochial School, Oswego Catholic High School and St. Bernard Seminary, being ordained May 16, 1964 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Syracuse, NY. He served as an Assistant Pastor at Blessed Sacrament, St. Agatha, Immaculate Heart of Mary and Holy Family in the Diocese of Syracuse. As Pastor, he served St. Theresa in New Berlin with its Mission of Our Lady of the Valley in Leonardsville, St. Patrick in Taberg with its Mission of St. Anne’s in Glenmore, St. Michael in Central Square, St. Mary of the Assumption in Oswego and at the same time serving as Pastor of John the Evangelist in Oswego as well as being Vicar of the Northern region of the Diocese of Syracuse, and St. Margaret in Mattydale.
While in the Syracuse Diocese he served as Ecclesiastical attorney as well as Associate Judge in the Marriage Tribunal. Father Baehr served on the Presbyteral Council and Priest Personnel Committee. He is a Fourth-Degree member of the Knights of Columbus.
In 2005 Father Baehr relocated to Florida and served as Assisting Priest at Sacred Heart Church in Bradenton and most recently St. Frances Xavier Cabrini in Parish, FL while also serving as Spiritual Director for the Legion of Mary Curia.
He is survived by Sister Marianne Baehr, C.S.J., a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet who resides in Sarasota and several cousins.
A Visitation will take place on Thursday December 1st from 2-4pm with a Vigil at 7pm at St. Frances Xavier Cabrini in Parish, FL. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday December 2nd at 11am at St. Frances Xavier Cabrini in Parish, FL where the Most Rev. Frank Dewane will preside, Homily will be given by cousin Rev. John F. Hogan, Jr. and Rev. Jerome A. Carosella will deliver the Eulogy.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to St. Martha and St. Mary Academy for tuition assistance in memory of Father Dave. Toale Brother Funeral Homes, Bradenton Chapel is handling the arrangements.
St. Margaret's Church, Mattydale, will celebrate a Memorial Mass for their former pastor, Rev. David Baehr, on Monday, Dec. 5th at 5:30 PM. All are welcome.