Midwest Jesuits | Chicago-Detroit Province

Fr. Ernest G. Spittler, SJ

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May 4, 1928, to January 1, 2010
Cleveland, Ohio

Fr. Ernest G. Spittler, SJ, died at the age of 81. A Jesuit for 63 year and native Clevelander, Fr. Spittler was born to Dr. Felix and Genevieve Spittler on May 4, 1928. He attended St. Therese Elementary School and St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland. After high school, Fr. Spittler entered the Jesuit Novitiate at Milford, Ohio, in June 1946. He completed philosophical studies at West Baden College in Indiana, and went on to complete graduate studies in chemistry at the Catholic University in Washington, D.C.,
Fr. Spittler then returned to West Baden College for theological studies, and was ordained a priest at Colombiere College in Clarkston, Michigan, on June 14, 1962.

His major ministry occurred from 1965 through 1993, when he taught Chemistry at John Carroll University. In his final years he became involved in Marriage Encounter which he continued through 2001. For many of these later years, he was also pastorally active in the Cleveland diocese. Some seven years ago, because of health, he retired to Jennings Center for Older Adults in Garfield Heights, where as a grade-school student, he had often served Mass. He enjoyed classical music, and during his years at Jennings Center shared this passion with other residents, and was a companion to many.

“I was honored to meet and know Fr. Ernie,” recalls Ceil Sledz-Greenwell of North Royalton, Ohio. “His quiet, humble exterior belied the wit and knowledge within the truly holy man he was when you spoke with him. I am blessed to have known him. He will be missed by more people than anyone can even imagine.”

Memorial gifts:

Memorial gifts may be made to The Jesuits, 2050 N. Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois 60614.

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