Man Abused As a Child by Pedophile Priest Found Dead in Car

Herald Sun
July 27, 2012

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/man-abused-as-a-child-by-pedophile-priest-found-dead-in-car/story-fndo48ca-1226437040049

"The pain was just too much" for John Pirona, who was abused as a child by a pedophile priest. The married father-of-two was found dead in his car Picture: NSW Police Media Source: Supplied

A MAN who as a child was abused by a pedophile priest has been found dead in his car after the pain became "just too much for him'', his wife says.

The body of John Pirona, 45, was discovered by police in a car at Tomago near Newcastle early today, nearly a week after his wife Tracey last saw him on Saturday night.

Ms Pirona said she alerted police to his disappearance after finding a letter that spoke of the pain he felt being linked to a pedophile priest and of his wish "to go nobly''.

"The pain was just too much for him,'' Ms Pirona said.

"He felt like his children were better off without him.''

The former NSW Fire Brigades officer was sexually assaulted by a Hunter priest when he was 11 years old, Ms Pirona said.

She said the priest, who can't be named for legal reasons, is currently in prison.

Mr Pirona did not tell his wife or other family members of the abuse until 2008.

She said the abuse had led her husband to intermittent struggles with alcohol and drugs throughout his life.

The couple, who were married for 18 years and have two children aged seven and 11, had recently been living apart in a bid to repair their marriage.

"Our relationship has suffered so many times over the years and I never knew why.''

Ms Pirona said she was determined to have those who protected the pedophile priest held to account and renewed calls for a royal commission into the Catholic church's handling of sexual abuse.

"It affected every part of his life, his soul and his being. Now my children have no father,'' she said.

"How many more people have to go through what we have gone through before they hold a royal commission?''

Catholic Archbishop of Sydney George Pell said he was shocked and saddened by Mr Pirona's death and offered his deepest sympathies to his family and friends.

Cardinal Pell said he acknowledged past failures, but did not support calls for a Royal Commission.

"But if there was one the Catholic Church authorities would co-operate fully,'' he said in a statement.

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