Reverend Patrick A. Seelman T.O.R., of the Third Order Regular Franciscans of the Province of the Immaculate Conception, USA died peacefully on Saturday, 12 December 2020 in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. He was 92.
Father Patrick was born on 3 June 1928 in Utica, NY, and given the name Ambrose at Baptism. He was the son of the late Ambrose and Grace (Daly-Schrader) Seelman.
Fr. Patrick entered the Franciscan Community on September 5, 1954 and professed Solemn Vows on 6 June 1959. He was ordained to the priesthood on 8 June 1963 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, DC.
Father Patrick served the Church and the Franciscan community primarily as a Pastor and Parochial Vicar in parishes in the Archdiocese of Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN, the Diocese of Orlando, FL, the Diocese of Rochester, NY, Syracuse, NY, and the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, PA. Fr. Patrick also served as the National Spiritual Assistant to the Secular Franciscan Order and was a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus. In response to the call of the Second Vatican Council, he also served for three years as a missionary in Paraguay, S.A. His last assignment was to the Ministry of Prayer at St. Bernardine Monastery, Hollidaysburg. At the time of his death he was residing at Garvey Manor, Hollidaysburg, PA.
Fr. Patrick is predeceased his parents and only sister, the late Sister M. Grace Seelman, OSF.
A Funeral Mass was celebrated on Thursday, 17 December 202 at the St. Bernardine Monastery Chapel, Hollidaysburg.PA. Very Reverend Father Frank Scornaienchi, T.O.R., Minister Provincial, was the principal celebrant and homilist. Interment followed in the Franciscan Friars’ Community Cemetery.