All About
Fr. William N. Wainio
Father William “Will” N. Wainio was born on February 4, 1993, in Youngstown, Ohio, the eldest of two children born to Cynthia (Rega) and Anthony J. Wainio. He attended Saint Luke Elementary School and graduated from Ursuline High School in 2011. Father Will continued his studies at John Carroll University in Cleveland, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy. He later attended Saint Mary Seminary and Graduate School of Theology, where he received both a Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts in Theology in May 2024.
Father Will was ordained a Transitional Deacon on June 3, 2023, at the Cathedral of Saint Columba by The Most Reverend David J. Bonnar, Bishop of Youngstown. Following his ordination, he was assigned to Saint Jude and Our Lady of Lourdes parishes in Columbiana County. Three months later, Bishop Bonnar reassigned then Deacon Will to downtown Canton, where he served at The Basilica of Saint John the Baptist and Saint Peter Roman Catholic Parish.
On June 1, 2024, Father Will was ordained to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ by Bishop Bonnar at the Cathedral of Saint Columba. He was then appointed parochial vicar of Saint Patrick Parish and the University Parish Newman Center in Kent, Ohio.
In May 2025, Bishop Bonnar appointed Father Will as Co-Director of the Office of Church Vocations for the Diocese of Youngstown. That same month, he also became chaplain for the City of Kent Fire Department.
Less than a year later, on May 1, 2026, Bishop Bonnar named Father Will the full-time Diocesan Director of Vocations. He concluded his ministry assignments in Kent and Ravenna and returned to the Youngstown area to dedicate himself fully to promoting and supporting vocations throughout the diocese. Although his office is based in downtown Youngstown, Father Will regularly travels across the six counties of the Diocese of Youngstown visiting schools, parishes, and youth groups to encourage young people to listen for God’s call. Father Will is a member of The National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors (NCDVD).
Father Will has long been an active and passionate member of his local community. He previously served as an advisor to the Mahoning County (Canfield Fair) Junior Fair Board. He is the founder and current chair of the George L. Grim Memorial Scholarship Fund and serves as a board member of the Mahoning County Youth Agricultural Association. He also presently serves on the board of the Mercy Health Foundation of the Mahoning Valley.
An Eagle Scout, Father Will continues to support Scouting programs throughout the diocese and community. In recognition of his dedication to the spiritual growth and formation of Catholic youth in Scouting, he was awarded the Bronze Pelican Award by the Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting.
Father Will and his dog, Penelope, currently reside in Trumbull County. On July 1, 2026, he also began serving as priest chaplain for the Youngstown State University Newman Center alongside his ministry as Director of Vocations.
Video Library:
A Life Long Calling is a brief video documenting Deacon William Wainio’s journey toward the priesthood. Shot in December 2018 and January 2019, it offers a glimpse into the process of discerning a call from God. This project was directed and produced by Deacon Will’s dear friends Ryan Peplowski and Elizabeth Shiller, submitted as an entry in the 2019 Collective Filmmakers Contest Series. A heartfelt thank you to The Wainio Family, Fr. Kevin Peters, and the Parish Community at Saint Angela Merici in Youngstown, Ohio for their support.
Spotlight with Fr. Jim Korda is brought to you by the Catholic Television Network of Youngstown (CTNY). This show aims to shine a light on individuals, locations, and happenings throughout the six counties of the Diocese of Youngstown. Recorded in the spring of 2021, this episode features Deacon William Wainio in conversation with Fr. Korda. They delve into the topic of a vocational call to the priesthood and offer valuable insights into the process of discernment. A heartfelt thank you to Fr. Jim Korda and CTNY for making this episode possible.
The Ordination Liturgy of Mr. Kevin Bertleff and Mr. William Wainio to the Order of Deacon in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Youngstown. Special thanks to The Catholic Echo and the word of the Diocesan Communications Department.
Guided by Faith: Deacon William Wainio sits down with Dennis Biviano from the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown to talk about his call to the priesthood and his journey through seminary. The short interview highlights Deacon (now Father) Wainio's hopes for the future as a priest.
The Priesthood Ordination Liturgy of Rev. Mr. Kevin Bertleff and Rev. Mr. William Wainio to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Youngstown. Special thanks to The Catholic Echo and the word of the Diocesan Communications Department.
Fr. Will's LOVE of the Canfield Fair thanks to the work of Youngstown's local news station, 27 WKBN, who interviewed Fr. Wainio about his love of the Mahoning County Canfield Fair and why Fr. Wainio continues to support the fair and the youth who take part in Junior Fair and 4-H.