Father José Del Toro, T.O.R., a member of the Third Order Regular of Saint Francis, Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, died on Tuesday, August 23, 2022. He was 57 years old.
Born on May 30, 1965 in New York, NY, son of Blanca Rosa Del Toro and the late Victor Del Toro, Fr. José graduated from high school in 1983 and later attended the Franciscan University of Steubenville where he met the Franciscans Third Order Regular. He entered as a postulant in August 1986 in Loretto, PA and professed first vows on June 4, 1988 after completing his novitiate year at St. Bernardine Monastery in Hollidaysburg, PA.
Following his solemn profession on August 6, 1993 and completion of his seminary education, Father José was ordained a priest on November 25, 1996 at Immaculate Conception Chapel in Loretto, PA by the Most Reverend Joseph Adamac, Bishop of Altoona-Johnstown. Father José also earned a Bachelor of Arts from Franciscan University of Steubenville and a Master of Divinity from Washington Theological Union in Silver Spring, MD.
After ministering for a few years at Franciscan University of Steubenville, Father José then served in parish ministry for several years including one in New York City where he was assigned when the United States was attacked by terrorists on September 11, 2001. Moved by this event, Father José asked to join the Archdiocese of the Military Services where he served for twelve years as a Catholic chaplain in the United States Air Force in the Gulf War, Japan, England, and several U.S. bases.
After his military service, Father José resided in Florida partly for health reasons. Proud of his country and Puerto Rican heritage, Father José lived a life of faith, heroism, and dedication to the service of others.
Preceded in death by his father, Father José is survived by his mother, sisters Victoria and Petra (brother-in-law Nelson), brothers Sammy and Victor Jr., as well as ten nieces and nephews and ten grand nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Monday, August 30, 2022 at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church at St. Bernard, New York City.