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SCRANTON — After 18 years, Bill Genello is leaving his position of Director of Communications at the Diocese of Scranton and he will be replaced by a familiar face for local TV viewers.
Genello, 61, said he made his intentions known last spring to “make a transition” in his life.
“My decision was prompted by my marriage in May to my wife Nancy — a true blessing — and a desire to enjoy the fruits of this new phase of our lives,” Genello said. “At that time, I agreed to stay on until my successor was hired in order to ensure a smooth transition.”
The diocese has named Genello’s successor as Eric Deabill, former WBRE-TV reporter/anchor who started working at the diocese Jan. 28.
The job’s responsibilities include working with regional media to “promote the good works of the dicoese and the Catholic Church,” a press release states.
Deabill, 38, will also serve as editor-in-chief of The Catholic Light, supervise Catholic Television and oversee the diocese’s website and social media presence.
Deabill said he is a praticing Catholic. He’s a member of St. Eulalia Church in Roaring Brook Township and is a native of Connecticut.
Deabill is married and has one son, age 5.
He had worked at WBRE since July 2004 as a reporter, weekend anchor and producer.
“This opportunity presented itself and I accepted,” Deabill said. “This is a unique time for the church — there is so much going on in terms of parishes and schools and all that needs to be highlighted. I hope I can do that in some small way.”
Deabill said he will be open, transparent and responsive in his new job.
“And maybe even more so,” he said.
Genello said it has been a great privilege for him to serve the church alongside so many dedicated clergy, religious and laypersons, and to encounter all of the wonderful people in the regional community, including those in the media.
“I will always be grateful for that opportunity and the respect and support I have received throughout these many years,” Genello said.
A formal announcement of the change is expected to appear in the next editions of The Catholic Light.
