Brother Callistus Gerardi, T.O.R., 97, a member of the Franciscan Friars of the Third Order Regular, Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, died on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at Saint Francis Friary, Loretto, PA.
Born April 13, 1925 in Boston, Massachusetts, he was given the name Joseph by his parents, Joseph and Rose (Martino). After graduating from Everett High School in Massachusetts, Joseph enrolled in the military at Camp Butner, North Carolina as a Teletype Operator. Shortly before his four-year term expired, he reenlisted in the Air Force and was stationed at Hamilton Air Force Base in Novato, California. Had several accolades such as Korean Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and United Nations Service Medal.
Following his active duty in the military, Joseph entered the Franciscan Friars as a postulant in September 1953 at Mt. Assisi Friary and became a candidate with the Third Order Regular Franciscans. A year later, he entered the novitiate and received the name Callistus. Br. Callistus professed his first vows in July 1955 at Portiuncula Monastery in Washington, D.C. and then continued on to profess solemn vows in 1958.
For a few years after solemn vows Br. Callistus went on to be part of the supportive staff at St. Francis Monastery in Loretto; St Francis Monastery in Spring Grove; St. Louis Monastery in Philadelphia and then four years at Portiuncula Monastery in Washington, D.C. Br. Callistus then transitioned into the role of kitchen staff, where he spent twenty years between St. Francis Seminary and St. Francis Monastery. He moved to St. Patrick Church in Tampa, Florida for three years then to Sacred Heart Monastery in White Post, Virginia. Br. Callistus then came back to Loretto in 1992 to start his retirement journey.
In addition to his parents, Br. Callistus is preceded in death by his brothers Peter and Phillip. He is survived by his brother Robert Gerardi, Sr, as well as extended family, and his Franciscan Community.
The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on March 22 at St. Francis Friary at Mount Assisi, Loretto. Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Lehman, minister provincial, was the celebrant. After the Mass, internment took place at the Franciscan Friars’ Cemetery on the campus of Saint Francis University, Loretto.