Anthony Pilla Inducted into Cleveland International Hall of Fame

Anthony Pilla Anthony Pilla

Anthony Michael Pilla, the son of Italian immigrants and Ninth Bishop of Cleveland, was inducted into the Cleveland International Hall of Fame.

His education started in public schools until high school, which he began at Cathedral Latin and completed at St. Gregory Seminary in Cincinnati, OH, where he continued in college until Borromeo College Seminary opened in Wickliffe, OH.

His preparation completed at St. Mary Seminary, Cleveland, he was ordained to priesthood in May 1959 and his training also included an Arts degree in Philosophy and a Masters in History from John Carroll University, in Cleveland.

Pope John Paul II named Father Pilla as an Auxiliary Bishop in June of 1979, and in November of 1980 he was named Ninth Bishop of Cleveland. For three years, Bishop Pilla served as Vice President of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, and in 1995 served as President, completing his term in November 1998.

Bishop Pilla's leadership and initiative served as a powerful reminder of Catholic social teaching in action. He remains a living model of a Servant Leader who demonstrates values, knowledge, skills, and actions that invite others to greater holiness.

He was inducted into the Cleveland International Hall of Fame by his long-time friend and retired Forest City Management executive, Sam Miller.