Former Raleigh bishop dies

Monday, August 12, 2013

Bishop emeritus F. Joseph Gossman (Courtesy: Raleigh Diocese)

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wake county, local/state

RALEIGH (WTVD) -- Bishop emeritus F. Joseph Gossman, the fourth bishop of the Raleigh Diocese, died Monday at the age of 83, following a long illness, according to the Raleigh Diocese.

Gossman served as Bishop of Raleigh from 1975 until 2006, when he retired.

Gossman was born in Baltimore on April 1, 1930. He attended St. Charles College and St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore, graduating with a bachelor's degree in 1952. He continued studies at the North American College in Rome, obtaining his Licentiate in Sacred Theology from the Gregorian University, Rome, in 1956.

"I ask the faithful in the Diocese to join me in praying for the eternal happiness of Bishop Gossman," said current Bishop Michael Burbidge, "and to thank God for the gifts of his priestly example and faithful ministry as Bishop."

Bishop Burbidge will celebrate a mass for Gossman on Tuesday at Sacred Heart Cathedral at 12:10 p.m.

Funeral arrangements have not been finalized.