Rev. Colman McGarril T.O.R.

Fr. Colman McGarril, T.O.R., 91, of the Third Order Regular Franciscans of the Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, died January 30, 2018, at Garvey Manor, Hollidaysburg after an illness.   He was born on July 4, 1926, in Kearney, New Jersey, and given the name John when he was baptized at St. Cecilia Church, Kearney. He was the son of John and Catherine (Murphy) McGarril.  He attended St. Cecilia Grade School and graduated from St. Cecilia High School on May 26, 1944.  On October 19, 1947, Fr. Colman entered the postulancy at Mt. Assisi Monastery.   He entered novitiate on July 1, 1948 at Mt. Assisi Monastery, Loretto and pronounced his first vows on July 1, 1949.  Fr. Colman pronounced his solemn vows on July 1, 1952 at Mt. Assisi Monastery.   Fr. Colman was ordained to the priesthood on May 22, 1954 at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Altoona by the late Bishop Richard T. Guilfoyle, D.D. Bishop of the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese.   He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from St. Francis College in May of 1950.   He completed Theological studies at St. Francis Seminary, Loretto in May of 1954. During his long and faithful Franciscan life, Fr. Colman ministered in many of the works of the Province:  High School Education (St. Francis Prep School, Spring Grove), Director of Candidates, Director of Novices, Director of Franciscan T.O.R. Missions, Hospital Chaplain, Associate Pastor, and Pastor of the following: St. John the Evangelist Church, Pittsburgh, Holy Spirit Church, Mitchell, South Dakota, and St. Patrick Church, Tampa, Florida.  His most recent assignment was at St. Francis Friary-Mt. Assisi, Loretto, where he served in the ministry of prayer. His joyful spirt and rich Irish heritage brought much pleasure to the community.  He was very proud of being born on the 4th of July and serenaded the community with patriotic and Irish songs. Fr. Colman was preceded in death by his sisters Marie McCarthy, Anne O’Dea and Kathleen (Kay) Leonarodis.  He is survived by sisters Frances Gillespie, Kearney, NJ, and Shelia Gray, Kearney, NJ and brother-in-law, William O’Dea, 104 nieces and nephews, and his Franciscan brothers. Friends will be received at the Chapel of St. Francis Friary-Mt. Assisi, Loretto at 4:00 p.m. on Friday. Vigil Service will be celebrated at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be concelebrated on Saturday, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis Friary Chapel-Mt. Assisi, Loretto, with Very Rev. Richard L. Davis, T.O.R., Minister Provincial, as principal celebrant.  Following the Mass, Committal will take place at the Franciscan Friars’ Cemetery, on the campus of St. Francis University. Memorial contributions may be made to support retired T.O.R. Friars, c/o T.O.R. Retirement Fund, St. Francis Friary, P.O. Box 137, Loretto, PA 15940. Arrangements by Gibbons Funeral Home, 301 Church Street, Gallitzin, PA 16641.   

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