Skip to content
Call Today: 888-283-9922
Horowitz Law Logo
  • About
    • Adam Horowitz
    • Jessica Arbour
    • Elana Goodman
    • Robin Kissin
    • DeeDee Scheller
    • Eric Cantor
    • Alexandra Slater
    • Attorney Referrals
    • Testimonials
  • Who We Sue For Sexual Assault
    • Churches & Other Religious Organizations
    • Massage Businesses
    • Doctors, Healthcare, & Hospitals
    • Schools & Universities
    • Boy Scouts of America
    • Cruise Ships & Yachts
    • Summer Camp
    • Cheer & Other Youth Sports
    • Sexual Assault By Uber & Lyft Drivers
  • Sexual Abuse Lawyers
    • Child Sexual Abuse
  • FAQ
  • Media Coverage
    • Reported Cases
  • Legal Blog
  • Search
Contact Us

Fr. Donald Fafinski – Diocese of Buffalo

Home  >  Sexual Abuse Law Blog  >  Fr. Donald Fafinski – Diocese of Buffalo

October 12, 2019 | By Horowitz Law
Fr. Donald Fafinski – Diocese of Buffalo

Father Donald Fafinski

Ordained: 1966

Removed: 2003

Assigned as follows:

  • 1967                Unknown
  • 1968                St. Casimir (Buffalo, NY)
  • 1969-1979      Cardinal Mindszenty High School (Dunkirk, NY)
  • 1969-1979      Archbishop Walsh High School (Olean, NY)
  • 1980-1981      Special assignment Director of the Youth Council (Buffalo, NY)
  • 1982-1989      St. John Vianney, Orchard Park, NY)
  • 1990-1991      St. Joseph, Fredonia, NY)
  • 1992-2002      St. John, Jamestown, NY)
  • 2003                Absent on leave

Summary of Abuse Allegations against Father Donald Fafinski:

Father Donald Fafinski worked with children throughout his career as a priest. According to media reports, he was placed on leave in 2003 and retired from ministry that September. In March 2018, his name was included in the Diocese of Buffalo's list of priests who "were removed from ministry, were retired, or left ministry after allegations of sexual abuse of a minor." No information regarding the allegations has been disclosed.

That same month, a man alleged that Father Fafinski sexually abused him in the 1970s when he was a student at Archbishop Walsh. The man said that he reported the abuse in 1994 and received a $24,000 settlement from the Diocese of Buffalo in 1996.

As of 2018, Father Fafinski is believed to live less than a block away from School 7 on East Lake Shore Drive in Dunkirk, New York.

According to media reports, in April 2020, the Diocese of Buffalo removed him and 22 other priests off of its payroll through an agreement it reached with survivors in U.S. Bankruptcy Court.

Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims of sexual abuse in the Diocese of Buffalo and throughout New York. The Diocese of Buffalo filed for federal bankruptcy protection in February 2020. Anyone sexually abused by a priest or employee of the Diocese of Buffalo may be entitled to file a claim against the Diocese in these bankruptcy proceedings, but very strict filing deadlines apply. Most victims of abuse in the Diocese of Buffalo will never be able to take action against the Diocese of Buffalo if they miss this bankruptcy filing deadline, so it is important that you contact us immediately to discuss your potential case.

Contact us at 888-283-9922 or adam@adamhorowitzlaw.com to discuss your legal options today.



Safeguard Your Future with Professional Legal Support

"*" indicates required fields

First Name*
Last Name*
How Would You Like To Be Contacted?
Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
Disclaimer*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Related Blogs

  • How Can a Lawyer Help File a Sexual Abuse Claim Against Organizations?
  • Fr. Bernard Schmaltz – Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux
  • Fr. Gerald Prinz – Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux
  • Father Gerard Kinane – Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux
  • How Do I File a Sexual Abuse Claim Against Clergy?
  • Fr. William Mannion, Jr. – Archdiocese of Baltimore
  • Health Department Issues Order Revoking Tommie James’ Massage Therapy License
  • Finding strength: Overcoming blame and embracing courage
  • Horowitz Law Client Sues Fontainebleau Hotel For Sexual Assault in Spa
  • What counts as a sexual assault during a massage?

Skilled Advocacy

Cycles Of Abuse And Fear Stop Here

The physical and emotional pain that stems from sexual abuse and assault can be devastating and have lasting, catastrophic effects on one’s life. If you or someone you love has been sexually assaulted or molested, contact a lawyer for sexual assault and child molestation victims today at 954-641-2100.

Meet Our Team

Contact Horowitz Law

While this website provides general information, it does not constitute legal advice. The best way to get guidance on your specific legal issue is to contact a lawyer. To schedule a meeting with an attorney, please call the firm or complete the intake form.

 

Cycles Of Abuse And Fear Stop Here

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
How Would You Like To Be Contacted?
Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
Disclaimer*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Fort Lauderdale, FL
110 E Broward Blvd, Suite 1530
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
954-641-2100
Horowitz Law Logo
  • About
  • Blog
  • Team
© 2025 Horowitz Law   Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Sitemap