Father Daniel Palys
Ordained: 1969
Removed from ministry: 2018
Died: 2024
Assigned as follows:
- St. Gabriel (Elma, NY)
- St. Joseph's (Bliss, NY)
- St. Mary's (Lockport, NY)
- St. Andrew;s (Kenmore, NY)
- Christ the King (Snyder, NY)
- Annunciation (Buffalo, NY)
Summary of Abuse Allegations against Father Daniel Palys:
Father Daniel Palys was ordained to the priesthood in 1969. He served in multiple parishes throughout his career. According to media reports, in June 2018, his name was added to the Diocese of Buffalo's list of priests with substantiated claims of child sexual abuse. He was placed on leave pending an investigation. No details regarding the allegations were disclosed.
The Diocese of Buffalo said the leave "does not imply that any determination has been made as to the truth or falsity of the complaint." The case has been sent to Rome for the Vatican to determine a ruling. In a letter to parishioners, Father Palys denied the abuse claim, writing, "I am totally innocent. I have never never hurt a child." He retired from St. Gabriel Church in January 2017.
In April 2020, Father Palys was one of 23 priests removed off of the Diocese of Buffalo's payroll through an agreement it reached with survivors in U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Since that time, Daniel Palys has been identified as an alleged perpetrator in at three separate civil lawsuits involving the Diocese of Buffalo.
On February 17, 2023, the Diocese of Buffalo through its Bishop, announced that it had determined that the sexual abuse allegations against Daniel Palys were substantiated. This announcement followed a lengthy investigation and report of the Diocese review board.
Daniel Palys died on August 21, 2024.
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.