Rev. Patrick H. George T.O.R.

Fr. Patrick George, T.O.R., 89, formerly Fr. Isadore, of the Third Order Regular Franciscans of the Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, died early Saturday morning, June 30, at St. Francis Friary-Mt. Assisi, Loretto.  He was born on May 9, 1929, in Pitcairn and was the son of the late James & Loretta (Kintz) George.   He was Baptized at St. Michael Church, Pitcairn on May 29, 1929.   He attended Patton Township Elementary School and graduated from Pitcairn High School in May, 1947.   Fr. Patrick entered postulancy at Mt. Assisi Friary on September 4, 1947.  On July 1, 1948, he entered novitiate at Bonaventure Hall, Loretto and pronounced his first vows on July 1, 1949 at Mt. Assisi Friary, Loretto.   On July 1, 1952, he pronounced his solemn vows at Mt. Assisi Friary, Loretto. Fr. Patrick was ordained to the priesthood on May 2, 1955 at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Altoona by the late Bishop Richard Guilfoyle, D.D., Bishop of Altoona-Johnstown Diocese.   He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from St. Francis College on August 15, 1952.   He completed Theological Studies at St. Francis Seminary, Loretto in 1955.   For four summers, he studied mathematics at Villanova University. During his long and very faithful Franciscan life, Fr. Patrick ministered in the various works of the Province.  He primarily served in education, teaching math at the secondary level where the friars ministered.  He also taught at St. Francis Preparatory School, Spring Grove. He was chaplain at three hospitals in Pittsburgh.  He was assistant pastor and pastor at various parishes of the Province.  Fr. Patrick was local minister at several of his assignments.  In serving the TOR community his lasting influence came from two assignments: Director of Candidates and Director of Postulants.   It was in these positions that Fr. Patrick influenced the formation of young men entering the community.   His prayerfulness and deep devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Rosary have a lasting effect on those he trained.   In 2005, Fr. Patrick was assigned to St. Francis Friary-Mt. Assisi, Loretto and served in the ministry of prayer. Fr. Patrick was preceded in death by brothers: Donald, Thomas, Arthur, Paul, Daniel, Lawrence, James and Gerald; sisters Dorothy and Rose Marie Mansell.   He is survived by his brother Leo, in Florida, and his sisters Bernadette Tenney, Lima, Ohio, and Loretta Bills, Meadville; numerous nieces and nephews and cousins, and his Franciscan brothers.   Friends will be received at the Chapel of St. Francis Friary-Mt. Assisi, Loretto at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday.   Vigil Service will be celebrated at 7:00 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be concelebrated on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis Friary-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. gibbonsfunerals.com 

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