Rest in peace, Father Fete

Priest dies after bout with cancer

Stark County pastor, 48, was diagnosed 6 weeks ago; legacy is new church

Beacon Journal staff report

The Rev. Kevin Fete faced death with the same faith as he lived his life.

The 48-year-old priest, who provided leadership for parishes in Stark County's Plain Township and Portage County's Rootstown, died in a Massillon hospital on Sunday, just six weeks after being diagnosed with kidney cancer.

As he lay dying, he told his brother, Ray Fete, that he was in a ``win-win situation.''

``The time I spend here, I get to spend with family and friends,'' the priest said. ``When my time is over, I get eternal life.''

The devoted priest stayed calm and peaceful right up to his last moments, his brother said.

``There's no doubt about his faith,'' he said.

Fete was pastor for Little Flower Catholic Church in Plain Township for about 11 years, his brother said. He also served as administrator for Rootstown's St. Peter of the Fields, where he was helping oversee the construction of a new church.

``He so desperately wanted to be there for the dedication of that church,'' which is expected to take place in the fall, his brother said. ``In spirit I'm sure he'll be a presence there.''

Fete was called to the priesthood during high school while hospitalized for a football injury, his brother recalled. The coaches quit coming, but the family's parish priest kept visiting daily. ``He said that's the moment he knew he wanted to be a priest,'' his brother said.

Fete also is survived by his mother, Dorothy Myers of Canton, brother Jim of Canton, sister Betsy of Canton, nieces, nephews and great-nephews.

Calling hours will be 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at St. Peter of the Fields and 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Thursday at Little Flower Catholic Church.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday at Little Flower Catholic Church, with Monsignor Robert J. Siffrin, administrator for the Youngstown diocese (which includes Stark and Portage counties), officiating. Burial follows at Perry Township's Calvary Cemetery.

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