Fr. William Santry – Archdiocese of Philadelphia

| Dec 4, 2018 | Abuser Profiles, Catholic Church

Father William Santry

Archdiocese of Philadelphia

Ordained: 1956

Laicized (removed from priesthood): 1971 or 2006 (?)

Died: 2008

Assigned as follows:

  • 1956 St. John the Baptist (Pottsville, PA)
  • 1956-1959 St. Francis of Assisi (Norristown, PA)
  • 1959 St. John the Evangelist (Philadelphia, PA)
  • 1959-1968 Roman Catholic High School (Philadelphia, PA)
  • 1959-1964 Most Blessed Sacrament (Philadelphia, PA)
  • 1964-1968 Our Lady of Loreto (Philadelphia, PA)
  • 1968-1971 Leave of Absence

Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations against Father William Santry:

Father William Santry was ordained a priest in 1956 and served in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. He served in multiple parishes throughout his career. According to media reports, in 2005, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia received a report from a woman that she was sexually abused by Father Santry and another priest, Father Joseph DiGregorio, in the rectory at Our Lady of Loreto parish when she was about 16.  She alleged that Santry kissed and fondled her breasts, and forced her to masturbate him. When confronted, Santry admitted to her allegation. He also admitted that he was aware that DiGregorio was abusing her at the same time.

It is not entirely clear when Santry was laicized (as it was not publicly announced until 2006), but he never held another assignment in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia after 1968.  It is not clear from the 2011 grand jury report if an allegation of abuse was the impetus for his removal from Our Lady of Loreto in 1968, but there certainly are facts suggesting that was the case.

Santry died in 2008.

Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest in Pennsylvania, contact our office today. Although many years have passed, those abused by Catholic clergy in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia may have legal options, but filing deadlines will apply so please do not delay in reaching out to us.

Contact us at 888-283-9922 or [email protected] to discuss your options today.