VIGIL FOR MURDERED PRIEST

The body of Rev. Rene Robert, a native of Waterford who was a priest of the Diocese of St. Augustine, Fla., was found April 18 in Georgia nearly a week after he'd been reported missing. Steven James Murray, 28, is charged with his murder.

Father Robert had close ties to the Albany Diocese, including relatives in the area and friends in the local deaf community. He was an alumnus of St. Mary's School in Waterford and Catholic Central High School in Troy.

The priest had served as chaplain to the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind in St. Augustine and did decades of ministry to persons with hearing and visual impairments.

"The deaf community of the Diocese of Albany is deeply saddened by the death of Father Robert," noted Rosemarie Tobin, diocesan consultant for people with disabilities and liaison to the Catholic deaf community. "He was a longtime friend of the community and would visit with them when in the area. He will be remembered with love and fondness. We also pray for his alleged murderer."[[In-content Ad]]