Father Clarence Bridges, better known as the "TV Priest", passed away earlier this week.

The Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown confirmed the news, saying he died following a battle with pneumonia.

They said Father Chuck spent the early years of his adult life working in local radio and TV.

He became an ordained priest for the Diocese in 1988, and, in 1995, he used his broadcast background to help launch Proclaim! TV, a weekly half hour show that he produced and hosted at St. John Gualbert Cathedral in Johnstown, sharing word of the Gospel beyond the walls of the church for the first time.

Father Chuck stepped away from hosting duties in 2013, but remained involved behind the scenes until 2020.

The funeral is scheduled for Monday, January 22 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Duca Funeral Home in Westmont.

A viewing will also be held on Tuesday, January 23 from 10:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at Saint John Gualbert Cathedral in Johnstown.

Officials with the Diocese said Bishop Mark will celebrate the funeral Mass on January 23 at 2:00 p.m. at the Cathedral.

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