Father Thomas W. Burr
Diocese of Rochester
Ordained: 1967
Resigned: 2002
Assigned as follows:
- June 27, 1961 – Assistant, St. Boniface, Rochester, NY
- June 23, 1964 – Latin and music instructor, St. Andrew Seminary, Rochester, NY
- June 29, 1965 – Assistant, St. Rita, Webster, NY
- June 25, 1970 – Assistant, St. Andrew, Rochester, NY
- Dec. 15, 1971 – Assistant pastor, St. Ambrose, Rochester, NY
- June 23, 1976 – Pastor, St. Joachim, Canisteo, and St. Mary, Rexville, NY
- June 26, 1990 – Pastor, St. Anthony, Elmira, NY
- June 28, 1994 – Pastor, St. Mary Our Mother, Horseheads, NY
Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations against Father Thomas W. Burr:
Father Thomas W. Burr was one of three priests removed in May 2002 for allegations of inappropriate behavior with teens more than 20 years prior. While the Diocese of Rochester refuses to release details about the allegations, Burr acknowledged the truth of them when confronted.
While Burr was removed from ministry due to his actions, he was allowed to resign from his position at St. Mary Our Mother rather than be publicly removed.
Per a Diocese of Rochester news release, he was officially sentenced to a life of prayer and penance but will continue to receive his pension and social security benefits. His current whereabouts are unknown.
Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims of sexual abuse in the Diocese of Rochester. The Diocese of Rochester in New York filed for bankruptcy protection in 2019. Our lawyers are now offering free legal consultations to discuss a potential lawsuit and your other options as a survivor of sexual abuse by priests and other employees of the Rochester Diocese.
Very strict filing deadlines have now been set by the Bankruptcy Court. Most victims of abuse will never be able to recover damages if they miss this deadline, so please contact us to discuss your case today. Call us at 888-283-9922 or send an e-mail to [email protected].