Father Francis (Frank) Moyher, T.O.R., 88, a member of the Franciscan Friars Third Order Regular of Saint Francis Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, in his 71st year of religious life and died on Monday, January 27, 2025 at Saint Francis Friary in Loretto, PA.
Following Father Francis’ graduation from Latrobe High School he entered the Franciscan community as a postulant and attended Saint Francis College where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy. He professed solemn vows in 1959 and completed theological studies at St. Francis Seminary and was ordained to the priesthood in May of 1963. Following his ordination he was assigned to St. Francis Prep School in Spring Grove where he taught Biology, English, and religion for many years. His love of teaching then led him back school to obtain his Master’s Degree in Biology from Penn State University. After receiving his Master’s, his focus turned to pastoral ministry. Over the next several years, he had the opportunity to minister in various parishes throughout the country including Arizona, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, and West Virginia, as well as British Columbia, Canada. In 1997 he returned home to Mount Assisi in Loretto, Pennsylvania to start his retirement.
Father Francis was born July 21, 1936 in Hostetter, Pennsylvania, the son of the late John and Mary (Sladbodnick). Father Francis was the last surviving sibling of thirteen which included eight brothers: John Jr. Charles, Andrew, Joseph, Michael, Paul, Eugene and Stephen and four sisters Mary Disciascio, Helen Short, Theresa Patton and Anna Boerio. He is survived by his beloved niece, Rita Short from Latrobe, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews and his Franciscan Community.
The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Friday, January 31, 2025 at St. Francis Friary at Mount Assisi with the Very Rev. Joseph Lehman, T.O.R., Minister Provincial as principal celebrant and Fr. Peter Lyons, T.O.R. as homilist.