Peter Haladej (03-22-1976 - 09-24-2026)

Peter Haladej entered his new life in Christ on September 24, 2026, after a courageous battle with glioblastoma.

Peter was born in Slovakia to Pavol Haladej and Terézia Haladejová. From an early age, Peter had a deep faith and a desire to serve others. While in high school, he felt the Lord calling him to the priesthood. He answered that call and joined the seminary, embarking on a journey of faith and service that would shape much of his life.

Peter came to the United States in 1996, and was ordained to the priesthood in 2002. Peter served in parishes across the Diocese of Youngstown, and in that ministry touched the lives of countless people. Those who belonged to a parish where he served knew that Peter’s ministry extended far beyond the walls of the church. He had a special gift for bringing people together and making them feel welcomed, valued, and loved.

Peter loved gathering people around a table. He enjoyed cooking and took great pride in preparing delicious meals for family and friends. For Peter, food, laughter, conversation, and fellowship were among life's greatest gifts. He also cherished the outdoors, and loved taking walks and hikes in nature.

In 2023, after much discernment, Peter left priestly ministry and pursued a career in clinical counseling. His desire to help others remained at the heart of everything he did. Peter always sought to listen, encourage, and walk alongside those who needed him.

In 2026, after being granted laicization, Peter married Kendra Hamel Nasvadi, beginning a cherished chapter of his life. Kendra’s four children introduced a special dimension of love and family life for Peter.

Peter is survived by his wife, Kendra, and her children, Ethan, Natalie, Lucas, and Aidan Nasvadi. He is also survived by his parents, Pavol Haladej and Terézia Haladejová, his sister, Martina Kozáková, his brother-in-law, Radoslav Kozák, and his beloved nephews, Radoslav, Martin, and Juraj Kozák, along with many extended family members and friends.

Peter will be remembered for his deep faith, generous spirit, warm hospitality, wonderful cooking, love of travel, keen sense of fashion, enjoyment of a good card game, and, above all, his love for people.

Peter’s life was a journey of answering God's call. From Slovakia to the United States, from the seminary to the priesthood, from parish ministry to counseling and ultimately to married life, he continued to seek ways to serve and walk alongside others. His legacy lives on in the people he welcomed, the meals he shared, the conversations he had, the lives he touched, and the love he gave so freely.

May Peter now rest in the peace of Christ, whom he served faithfully throughout his life.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 5 to 8 pm at Heitger Funeral Home - Massillon Chapel, 639 First Street N.E., and on Friday October 2, 2026 from 9 to 10:00 am. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 10:30 am at Divine Mercy Parish - St. Mary Campus, 206 Cherry Rd NE. A private interment will be held at a later date.

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