Father Bernard Francis “Bernie” Tickerhoof, TOR, was greeted by Sister Death on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at the age of 75. The son of David and Magdalen Ann (Ruth) Tickerhoof, Fr. Bernie grew up in Johnstown, PA, as the youngest of four children. After graduating from Bishop McCort High School in 1968, he joined the Franciscans as a postulant and professed solemn vows five years later. After earning a Master of Divinity from St. Francis Seminary, he was ordained to the priesthood on May 13, 1978.
As a Franciscan priest, Fr. Bernie thoroughly enjoyed retreat ministry, serving at various retreat centers for over 30 years. These included the Franciscan Renewal Center in Winchester, VA (1981–1990); the Burning Bush House of Prayer in Pittsburgh, PA (1990–1992); and the Franciscan Spirit & Life Center in Whitehall, PA (1996–2004). During the last fourteen years of his life, he continued to provide spiritual direction and travel to give retreats across the U.S. through the Province’s Franciscan Pathways program.
His ministry as a retreat director and spiritual director also led to his service as Postulant Director and Novice Director for over ten years. Throughout much of his life, Fr. Bernie was also deeply committed to ministry within the Secular Franciscan Order, serving as a Spiritual Assistant to both local fraternities and the Lady Poverty Region. In addition to earning a bachelor’s degree in History from Saint Francis College, Fr. Bernie also earned a Master of Theology (ThM) from the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, CA, and a Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.
Fr. Bernie’s life reflected a deep faith, demonstrated through his passion for writing and his commitment to holistic spirituality, faith and biblical conversion, as well as leadership development. He will be remembered fondly not only for his professional achievements but especially for his deep love of continued learning, which he shared through his ministry, storytelling, commitment to social justice, ecumenical and interfaith engagement, holistic spirituality, and ecological concerns. He authored several books and articles on a variety of topics in the spiritual life. His most recent book, The One Body of Christ in a Quantum Age, published by Orbis Books in 2024, explores the relationship between Christian spirituality, theology, and quantum theory. Preceded in death by his parents, he is survived by his sister, Ruthayn Tickerhoof; two brothers, Gerard Tickerhoof and Fr. David Tickerhoof, TOR; as well as his Franciscan Community.
Family and friends were invited to a viewing on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Saint Francis Friary at Mount Assisi in Loretto, PA. A Vigil Prayer Service was held at 7 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Saint Francis Friary, with the Very Reverend Joseph Lehman, TOR, as the principal celebrant. Following the Mass, interment took place at the Franciscan Friars’ Cemetery on the Saint Francis University campus in Loretto.