Father Thomas Wopperer
Ordained: 1964
Retired: 2008
Assignment History:
- 1964-1988: Various parishes in Buffalo
- St. Helen's (Hinsdale, NY)
- Nativity of Our Lord (Orchard Park, NY)
- St. John Vianney (Orchard Park, NY)
- St. Joseph's (Buffalo, NY)
- St. Christopher's (Tonawanda, NY)
- St. Gabriel's (Elma, NY)
- 1988-2008: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church (Dunkirk, NY)
Summary of Abuse Allegations Against Father Thomas Wopperer:
Father Thomas Wopperer worked at various parishes in the Diocese of Buffalo for over 45 years before retiring in 2008. In 2014, Fr. Wopperer celebrated 50 years in his priestly ministry during a Golden Jubilee Mass at the church he served at for most of his career.
In 2021, Fr. Wopperer was suspended from performing priestly ministry or presenting himself publicly as a priest after a claim against him surfaced in confidential documents filed in the diocese's federal bankruptcy case the prior year. The details of the sexual abuse allegations, including when and where the alleged abuse occurred, or the victim's age/gender, are unknown. Wopperer denied all allegations.
In June 2022, the Diocese of Buffalo cleared Fr. Wopperer of all allegations. According to media reports, the review board for the diocese found that the claims were not substantiated as the alleged victim declined to cooperate with the investigation. Wopperer stated that he was relieved and that the "truth won out."
Thomas Wopperer was a Buffalo native. He died on August 21, 2023 at age 85 after a brief illness.
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.