The Rev. Joseph Fata, integral member of ACTION, dies at 74

BOARDMAN — The Rev. Joseph Fata, 74, of Boardman, not only left behind family and friends after his death this morning, but he also left behind his mission to unify people by their faith for his parishioners to carry out.

Rose Carter, the Alliance for Congregational Transformation Influencing Our Neighborhoods – ACTION – executive director and lead organizer, said Father Fata was “one of the greatest leaders” in the community and in his position as clergy caucus with ACTION.

ACTION is an ecumenical coalition dedicated to breaking down racial barriers and various other divides to unite communities by faith.

“He brought black and white together. He brought Hispanic and Latinos together. He brought Protestants together. ... We socialized every month to have a clergy breakfast to be more diverse,” Carter said. “This was what he called for and he was just a true leader. ... I loved him as a leader of ACTION, as a good friend and as a mentor.”

The Rev. Ed Noga, pastor of St. Patrick Church in Youngstown, said there will definitely be a loss without Father Fata, who was always interested in being a part of anything uplifting for the city of Youngstown.

For the complete story and the Tribute, read Tuesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com