Overview of the East Avenue/Hess Avenue Neighborhood Watch

Fr. Jerry S. Priscaro was born in New Castle, Pennsylvania, the son of Agnes (Ruza) and Jerry L. Priscaro, and has lived in the East Avenue/Hess Avenue neighborhood of Erie for more than 46 years. A graduate of St. Ann’s/Spirit of Christ Elementary School and St. John Kanty Prep High School in Erie, he later studied Hotel Restaurant Management at Mercyhurst College before earning a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities from Gannon University. Fr. Priscaro continued his studies at St. Mark’s College Seminary and later graduated from St. Mary’s Seminary & University in Baltimore, Maryland, earning MDiv and STB degrees. He also served in the United States Air Force as a commissioned officer and received an honorable discharge. Ordained a Catholic priest for the Diocese of Erie in 1993, Fr. Priscaro has faithfully served for more than 33 years in parishes and schools throughout West Middlesex, Sharon, Hermitage, Meadville, Erie, Hammett, and Port Allegany, Pennsylvania. Since 2007, he has served as a priest at St. Ann’s, St. Casimir’s, and Holy Family Churches.

In addition to his ministry, Fr. Priscaro has dedicated much of his life to civic engagement and neighborhood advocacy. A graduate of the City of Erie Citizens Police Academy, he founded and coordinated the Little Italy Neighborhood Watch from 2002 to 2006 and was an active member of the Erie Neighborhood Watch Council and Weed & Seed Initiatives during that same period. In 2012, he founded the East Avenue/Hess Avenue Neighborhood Watch, where he continues to serve as coordinator today. He also serves as Catholic Chaplain for the Pennsylvania Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home and as chaplain for both the Knights of Columbus and the Barber National Institute. Throughout his years of service, Fr. Priscaro has received numerous citations, awards, and certificates recognizing his leadership in civic, religious, and neighborhood community involvement.