A Family and a Global Methodist Local Church Lose a Faithful Member in Assassination Attempt

By Walter Fenton

Regardless of one’s political perspective, a national tragedy was averted when former President Donald Trump escaped a would be-assassin’s aim to take his life. However, for Corey Comperatore’s family and friends, tragedy was not averted. Last Saturday, he was killed while shielding his wife, Helen, and their two daughters, Allyson and Kaylee, from the gunfire directed at Mr. Trump during the campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Comperatore’s older sister, Dawn, eloquently spoke to her family’s tragedy in a Facebook Post, “The hatred for one man took the life of the one man we loved the most. [Corey’s] wife and girls just lived through the unthinkable and unimaginable. Hatred has no limits and love has no bounds. Pray for my sister-in-law, nieces, my mother, sister, me and his nieces and nephews as this feels like a terrible nightmare but we know it is our painful reality.”

Family members and friends in Sarver, Pennsylvania, where Comperatore lived, have freely told journalists stories of his love for his family, his sense of humor, his courage, and of his faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.

A longtime member at Cabot Church, a local Global Methodist congregation in Cabot, Pennsylvania, Comperatore joyfully gave of his time, talent, and resources as he joined with church friends to share the gospel of Jesus Christ in word and deed.

“Corey’s love for Jesus was clear in the way he lived his life. He served his family, his church, his community, and his country [U.S. Army Reserves], and he did all that with a heart of service to the Lord,” said Rev. Jonathan Fehl, Pastor-in-Charge, at Cabot Church. “Whether it was taking part in a small group or lending his expertise to a building project, he was always helping the people around him.”

In addition to working as an engineer at JSP International (Butler, Pennsylvania), Comperatore was a firefighter at the Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Company. For three of those years he served as its chief. His friends at the fire station said they were not surprised to learn he died by courageously protecting his family.

“A faithful Bible reader, Corey drew particular strength from Paul’s Letter to the Romans, always telling new Christians they should read that book first,” said Fehl. “His church family is coming alongside his family as we all grieve his shocking loss. But we are so grateful Corey’s faith in God was strong, and there’s no doubt he is enjoying God’s presence now and forever.”

Fehl will preside at private funeral services for Comperatore. People from across the country have been sharing condolences with the family, and friends will have the opportunity to pay their respects and celebrate Comperatore’s life on Thursday, July 18.

“Corey Comperatore lost his life on Saturday evening through a senseless act of violence and hatred, while protecting his family,” said GM Church Bishop Mark Webb. “Everything I have heard about Corey points to a man who loved his family deeply and lived his faith in very significant ways. I know Global Methodists everywhere join me in praying for his wife, daughters, family and friends. We also pray for Pastor Jonathan Fehl and the Cabot congregation. May we all comfort those who mourn and boldly offer the promise of resurrection and new life through Jesus Christ!”

Cabot Church, located 35 miles northeast of Pittsburgh, is a part of the Allegheny West Provisional Annual Conference, a conference that includes western Pennsylvania and the state of Ohio.

“All the pastors and local churches in the Allegheny West Conference are holding Corey’s family, Rev. Fehl, and the people of Cabot Church in our hearts and our prayers,” said the Rev. Dr. Jeff Greenway, the conference’s president pro tem. “We’re committed to provide support for the church and Rev. Fehl as they minister to Corey’s family.”

Fehl responded, “On behalf of Corey’s family and Cabot Church, we are deeply grateful for the prayers and support of our brothers and sisters in Christ from around the world. The outpouring has been incredible to see, both among believers and the rest of the population. Thank you for continuing to lift the family up during this difficult time.”

Memorial donations in Comperatore’s memory can be made online by visiting Cabot Church Memorial Fund; please enter “Corey Comperatore” in the “In memory” box. Donations can also be sent to Cabot Methodist Church, 707 Winfield Road, Cabot, PA 16023. In the memo line of your check, please write “Corey Comperatore”. Cabot Church is deeply grateful for all donations that will help them memorialize their beloved fellow member, Corey Comperatore.