Fr. Norbert F. Orsolits

Ordained: 1965
Status: Settled

Died: 03/25/2021
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Suspended in 2003. Admitted in 2/2018 he abused “probably dozens” of adolescent boys in late 1970s-early 1980s. A man said Orsolits abused him during a ski trip in 1979 or 1980 at age 13 or 14. Orsoiits said he was sent to Canada for treatment in the 1980s by Bishop Head, then reassigned, including as a teacher at Walsh High School. Name included on the diocese’s list 3/20/2018. Suit filed in 8/2019 under the NY Child Victims Act claimed abuse of a 13- or 14-year-old in 1968. Moved to another parish after the boy’s parents complained. Another suit alleged abuse of a boy early- to mid-1970s. Removed from diocesan payroll 5/1/2020 in bankruptcy agreement. Suit in 6/2020 against the Boy Scouts alleged abuse in 1966 by Orsolits, who was a Scout leader. By 8/2021 there were 20 suits filed under the NY Child Victims Act naming Orsolits. He died 3/25/2021.


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