In sure and certain hope of the Resurrection to eternal life through Jesus Christ, the Most Rev. David J. Bonnar, Bishop of the Diocese of Youngstown, is saddened to announce the death of Rev. David Ijandir Bridling. Fr. Bridling died peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 due to complications from diabetes and other related health issues.
Father David Bridling was Pastor of Saint Patrick and the University Parish Newman Center, Kent. This year, he celebrated his 30th anniversary of ordination to the Priesthood.
He was born in Nigeria on November 25, 1968 and ordained on April 1, 1995. In addition to seminary studies in Nigeria, he earned a Licentiate and PhD in Theology from the Universita Pontifica Salesiana in Rome. He served in the Catholic Diocese of Maiduguri as a parish priest in multiple locations, chaplain, seminary lecturer, and rector of St. Patrick Cathedral (Maiduguri).
He first visited the Diocese of Youngstown as a missionary speaker to share about the joy Nigerian Catholics found in the Gospel in the midst of terrorism.
In 2016, he started his service in our diocese as Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Peace Parish in Ashtabula. From 2021-2023, he served as Parish Administrator of St. Mary (Orwell) and Sacred Heart (Rock Creek) Parishes, now merged into St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Parish. In 2023-2025, he was Pastor of St. Patrick Parish and University Newman Parish in Kent. He was to start a new assignment on July 1, 2025 as Pastor of Holy Trinity, East Liverpool; St. Agatha Mission, West Point; and St. John the Evangelist, Summitville; as well as Dean of the Columbiana Deanery.
He will be remembered for his laughter, reverence for the Eucharist, and preaching on the power of forgiveness and love in response to hatred and violence. Bishop Bonnar asks all to pray for the repose of Father David’s soul:
Eternal Rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let the perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.
Family and friends may pay their respects at visitation 3-7 P.M. WEDNESDAY May 28, 2025 at St. Patrick Church, 313 N. Depeyster St. Kent, OH 44240, where Vespers will be prayed in the church at 7 P.M., with the Rev. William Kraynak presiding. Funeral Mass 12 P.M. THURSDAY May 29, 2025 at St. Patrick Church, celebrated by the Most Rev. David J. Bonnar with Father David’s dear friend the Rev. Raymond J. Thomas as homilist. There will be additional time to pay respects to Father David at church from 11 A.M. until the start of Mass.
Father David will be buried in his homeland of Nigeria, where he will be laid to rest next to many members of his beloved family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Fr. Bridling’s family, c/o St. Patrick Church, the University Parish Newman Center, 1424 Horning Road, Kent OH 44240, or Our Lady of Peace Parish, 1200 E 21st St. Ashtabula, OH 44004, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Parish 103 N Maple St., Orwell OH 44076.
Photo courtesy of St. Patrick Parish, Kent.
Article updated on May 23, 2025 to include funeral arrangements and cause of death.
