Father Dermott Donnelly has died after being admitted to hospital.
The Catholic parishes of Stanley, Dipton and Byermoor announced the loss of the 55-year-old man, who is the brother of television personality Dec, on Friday afternoon (July 8).
Posted on Facebook, the statement said: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Father Dermott Donnelly.
“Please remember Father Dermott in your prayers and pray for the rest of his soul. Rest in peace. “
The sad news was confirmed by the Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle, who said Father Donnelly’s death was “like a great shock to all of us”.
Father Dermott Donnelly out of St Michael’s before the December wedding. Credit: PA
Pontop Partnership, which is an association of ten Catholic parishes in the diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, said Father Donnelly had been admitted to hospital and was believed to be seriously ill.
The priest led his brother Dec’s wedding to Ali Astall at St Michael’s Church in Elswick in 2015.
During his time as a priest, he also created a youth outreach program called The Youth Village with the goal of encouraging young people in the diocese to embrace their faith.
Many tributes have been paid to the “charming man” and the “magnificent rector.”
Dec said on Twitter that the family is “beyond devastated.”
When his illness was announced, St. Joseph’s Church in Stanley organized a community prayer session for his well-being. The prayer was to take place at 6pm and no update has been provided yet.