Stephen Toth was born on May 1, 1913, in Cleveland, Ohio, to parents of Hungarian background. As a consequence, he spoke fluent Hungarian. He grew up in Cleveland, attending the Catholic schools there, before coming to London to study at St. Peter’s Seminary. His ordination was on June 3, 1939, by Bishop John Thomas Kidd.
Anthony Scalisi was born on September 9, 1907 to parents Ignatius Scalisi and Anna Tantillo in Woodstock, Ontario. His early education was at St. Mary’s School in Woodstock, and he remained in Woodstock through high school years, before going to study at St. Peter’s Seminary. He was ordained on June 10, 1933 by Bishop John T. Kidd in St. Peter’s Cathedral. His first role was as assistant pastor at Sacred Heart Parish in Windsor.
Charles Ernest Lanoue was born on April 22, 1916 in Tilbury East, the eighth child to parents Joseph Lanoue and Arthemise St. Denis. Tragedy struck the family early on, as Arthemise died not six weeks later, on June 10, 1916. While records are unclear what happened to Joseph Lanoue, Charles was taken in by his father’s sister and her husband, James and Hermine Sterling. It was through their loving influence that Charles eventually found his vocation.
Clement Janisse was born June 4, 1924 to parents Rene Janisse and Claire Ouellette in Tecumseh, Ontario. He attended Catholic school in Windsor, although his family remained in Tecumseh until ‘Clem’, as he was known, turned eleven; they then moved into a farm in East Windsor that was part of Precious Blood Parish. Clem later attended St. Joseph’s High School, also in Windsor.
Theodore J. Valentin was born on July 7, 1868 in Saginaw, Michigan, to parents Antoine Valentin and Josephine Marie Wagner. He had a connection to the Church at a young age, his mother being the sister of the esteemed Dean Wagner.
George John Zimney was born on March 24, 1922 to parents George Zimney and Annie Jacko in the city of Vranov, Czechoslovakia. His family did not stay long in Czechoslovakia, choosing to settle in Windsor, Ontario some time before George began grade school. He attended St. Francis’ Primary School, before attending Assumption College for secondary school.