Date of Birth: July 13, 1936 
Date of Profession: August 22, 1958 
Date of Ordination: May 30, 1963 
Date of Death: March 13, 2025 

Fr. Joseph M. Herzstein, C.S.Sp., of Philadelphia, PA, a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, died peacefully on March 13, 2025, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Arusha, Tanzania. He was 88 years of age. 

Fr. Herzstein was born July 13, 1936, in Philadelphia, PA. He professed his vows as a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit on August 22, 1958, at Holy Ghost Novitiate in Ridgefield, CT, and was ordained to the priesthood on May 30, 1963, at St. Mary’s Seminary, Ferndale in Norwalk, CT. 

Fr. Herzstein’s first assignment was as assistant pastor at St. James Parish, Dayton, OH. In 1966, he began his missionary journey and was assigned to the District of Kilimanjaro at the Junior Seminary in the Moshi Diocese. He then ministered at the Mbosho Parish. In 1968, he was sent to the Arusha Catholic Seminary, Oldoyo Samba. In 1970, he started his First Evangelization ministry to the Maasai, which included time in the Loliondo Catholic Mission, Endulen Catholic Mission and the Monduli Catholic Mission. He was elected Superior of the District of Kilimanjaro in 1984 and served for three terms, during which time he directed the merger with East African Province (EAP) and the conclusion of the District of Kilimanjaro. He was a member of the Council for the Diocese of Arusha for three terms and two District Councils for six years. His ministry at the Catholic Parish Ngorongoro began in 1993 and continued for 27 years. During his time at the parish he served as First Assistant at EAP in and took a one-year sabbatical in 2004. He retired to the Spiritan Novitiate House in Lushoto in 2020. 

Fr. Herzstein was preceded in death by his parents, Morris and Helen Murphy Herzstein, and his siblings: Constance Herzstein, Laine Herzstein, John Herzstein and Jayne Kepner. He is survived by many nieces, nephews and loving friends. 

Fr. Herzstein’s funeral Mass and burial will take place at Usa River Seminary, in Tanzania, on Friday, March 21 at 10.00 a.m. 

In memory of Fr. Herzstein, donations may be made to the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, 6230 Brush Run Road, Bethel Park, PA 15102, designated for retirements or for the education of future Holy Spirit Fathers and Brothers.