Nicholas Anthony DiMarzio

Nicholas Anthony DiMarzio (born June 16, 1944) is an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church who served as bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn in New York City from 2003 to 2021.

Nicholas DiMarzio was born on June 16, 1944, in Newark, New Jersey, to Nicholas Sr. and Grace (née Grande) DiMarzio.

He is the oldest of three children.

His father served in the US Armed Forces, but later worked as a health inspector for the city of Newark.

All of Nicholas DiMarzio's grandparents emigrated to the United States from Southern Italy.

DiMarzio grew up across the street from Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark and attended the cathedral's grammar school.

He graduated from St. Benedict's Preparatory School in Newark in 1962.

DiMarzio attended Immaculate Conception Seminary School in Darlington, New Jersey.

He graduated with a bachelor's degree from Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey, in 1966.

In 1969, DiMarzio worked as a deacon at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Newark.

He received a Bachelor of Sacred Theology degree in 1970 from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. DiMarzio is a certified social worker.

He is fluent in Italian and Spanish and proficient in French.

On May 30, 1970, DiMarzio was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Newark by Archbishop Thomas Boland.

After his ordination, DiMarzio was assigned as associate pastor at St. Nicholas Parish in Jersey City, New Jersey, 1970.

In 1976, DiMarzio was appointed as the refugee resettlement director for the archdiocese.

He also created the Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC), serving as chairman for six years.

During this time, DiMarzio also served a two-year term as director of the Office of Migration of Newark's Catholic Community Services, now Catholic Charities.

DiMarzio would hold these positions while also serving pastoral roles in several parishes.

In 1977, DiMarzio became associate pastor at Holy Rosary Parish in Jersey City, New Jersey.

In 1978, he was appointed administrator and pastor of St. Boniface Parish in Jersey City.

DiMarzio was awarded a Master of Social Work degree from Fordham University in New York City in 1980.

In 1980, DiMarzio was appointed as chaplain of Holy Rosary Academy in Union City, New Jersey.

He was transferred back to Holy Rosary Parish in 1984 to serve as pastor.

In 1985, DiMarzio became associate pastor at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Newark.

DiMarzio received a doctorate in social work research and policy from Rutgers University in 1985.

That same year, he was appointed executive director for Migration and Refugee Services for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in Washington, D.C., serving there for six years.

In 1986, DiMarzio was named a prelate of honor, with the title of monsignor, by Pope John Paul II.

In 1991, then Archbishop Theodore McCarrick appointed DiMarzio as associate executive director of Catholic Community Services in Newark.

In 1992, DiMarzio advanced to executive director, a position he held for five years.

He also held the title of vicar for human services and vice president of the board of Cathedral Healthcare System.

On September 6, 1996, John Paul II appointed DiMarzio as an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Newark and titular bishop of Mauriana.

He was installed by McCarrick at Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart.

While auxiliary bishop, DiMarzio also served as pastor at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish.

From 1998 until 2001, he chaired the Migration Committee of the USCCB.

DiMarzio previously served as bishop of the Diocese of Camden in New Jersey from 1999 to 2003 and as an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Newark in New Jersey from 1996 to 1999.

On Jun 7, 1999, John Paul II appointed DiMarzio as the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Camden.

He was installed at St. Agnes Church in Camden, New Jersey, on July 22, 1999,.

While bishop, he established an Office of Ethnic Ministries, an Office of Black Catholic Ministry, and an Office of Hispanic Ministry.

DiMarzio also created an apostolate to the Haitian community and founded two missions to serve the Korean and Vietnamese communities.

In 2000, DiMarzio was appointed a member of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People.