The Rev. Joseph W. Koma, C.S.C. passed away Sept. 9, 2010 at Holy Cross House, Notre Dame, Ind. He was 83 years old.

Fr. Koma was born Feb. 10, 1927 in Palmerton, Pa. to Frank and Anna (Bogdan) Koma. After attending public grade and high schools he was employed as a construction electrician in the Allentown-Bethlehem area.

He entered Old College candidate program at Notre Dame in February 1952, went to the Jordan novitiate in August and made his first vows there a year later. He returned to Notre Dame and Moreau Seminary; graduated from the university in 1957; studied theology at Holy Cross College in Washington; and was ordained to the priesthood on June 1, 1961 in the Cathedral of St. Augustine, Bridgeport, Conn.

Fr. Koma spent his years of priesthood in parish assignments, mostly in Michigan and Indiana. After a pastoral apprenticeship in 1962, Fr. Koma was assigned to St. Joseph Parish, South Bend. From 1965 to 1967, he was assigned to St. Ignatius Parish, Austin, Texas after which he moved to St. Pius X Parish in Granger. In 1978 he was pastor of St. Margaret Parish in Otsego, Mich. and in 1980 he moved to St. Mary of the Assumption Parish in Three Oaks, Mich. He served as pastor at St. Marks Catholic Church in Niles from 1994 to 2007. Fr. Koma retired to Holy Cross House.

Fr. Koma is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Anna Koma, and two brothers.

He is survived by several nieces and nephews.

Viewing for Fr. Koma will be held in the Chapel of Moreau Seminary, University of Notre Dame, on Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010 from 3:30 to 9 p.m., with a wake service at 7:30 p.m.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Notre Dame, on Monday, Sept. 13, 2010 at 3:30 p.m.

Kaniewski Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions to support the mission and ministries of the Priests of Holy Cross, Indiana Province can be made to: Priests of Holy Cross, Indiana Province, Office of Development, P.O. Box 765, Notre Dame, IN 46556.