FRESNO - Catholics are remembering former Santa Rosa Diocese leader Bishop John Steinbock as a tireless servant of God and the people.
Roman Catholic clergy, religious leaders and the faithful gathered Tuesday in northwest Fresno to celebrate the life of Steinbock, the leader of the Diocese of Fresno, who died of lung cancer Dec. 5 at age 73.
During the funeral at St. Anthony of Padua church, the Rev. Monsignor Myron J. Cotta said Steinbock always "put the people first, loving them as God has loved them."
About 1,400 people attended the church service, and another 800 watched the funeral on a large-screen television in a school gym next door.
Cardinal Roger Mahony, archbishop of Los Angeles, presided over the service and called Steinbock a fine example for everyone.
"As we prepare to take him to (his) final resting place, we all take fond memories of him," Mahony said.
The Fresno Bee reports that Steinbock was hospitalized in early November after complaining of shortness of breath and lack of energy. Tests showed he had a blood clot in his right lung and others in his legs.
Born in Los Angeles in 1937, Steinbock served as bishop for the Diocese of Orange and as third diocesan bishop of the Diocese of Santa Rosa before joining the Diocese of Fresno in 1991.
The diocese includes about 1 million parishioners in Fresno, Tulare, Kings, Madera, Merced, Mariposa, Kern and Inyo counties.
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Information from: The Fresno Bee, http://www.fresnobee.com
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