Reverend Adrian D. Tirpak T.O.R., of the Third Order Regular Franciscans of the Province of the Immaculate Conception, USA died on Thursday, 3 March 2022 in Hollidaysburg, PA.
He was born to Andrew and Catherine (Selecky) Tirpak on 29 September 1933 in Glen Lyon, PA and was given the name Donald at Baptism.
Father Adrian entered the Franciscan Preparatory Seminary (Highland Hall), Hollidaysburg, on 16 August 1953 and professed Solemn Vows on 27 June 1956. He was ordained to the priesthood on 4 June 1960 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, DC.
Father Adrian faithfully served the Church and the Franciscan Community in various roles. In the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown he was an Instructor and Local Minister at Highland Hall and, in later years, ministered as Pastor and Parochial Vicar at the former Parish of St. Anthony, Johnstown, the former Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Northern Cambia (Barnesboro), and for many years, the Church of Saint Anthony of Padua, Windber. It was from St. Anthony’s in Windber that he retired from active ministry. He served in the Diocese of St. Cloud, MN as a Chaplain at St. Gabriel’s Hospital, Little Falls and an Instructor at Cathedral High School, St. Cloud, and in the Archdiocese of Washington, DC as Director of Post-Novitiate Formation for the Franciscans. Most recently, he was in residence at St. Bernardine Monastery and Garvey Manor, Hollidaysburg.
Father Adrian kept up a very active and extensive correspondence with friars, family, friends, and people from the places where he ministered. He had a quick wit, regaling people with jokes and stories, and he never missed a birthday with a card and a phone call to sing “The Birthday Song” in several languages! Father Adrian was especially attentive to visiting the sick and dying and offering comfort to bereaved families. He had a deep appreciation for music and enjoyed going to the opera and concerts.
Fr. Adrian is predeceased by his parents, his brother Andrew, and sister Connie Szmidt. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Judy Tirpak, cousins, nieces, nephews, many friends, and his Franciscan Community.
A Visitation and Vigil Service was held at the Church of Saint Anthony of Padua on 7 March. A Funeral Mass was held there on 8 March. Very Reverend Father Frank Scornaienchi, T.O.R., Minister Provincial, was the principal celebrant. Interment followed in the Community Cemetery at Saint Bernardine Monastery, Hollidaysburg.