Brother Norman McNelis, T.O.R., 93, a member of the Franciscan Friars of the Third Order Regular, Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, died on Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at Saint Francis Friary, Loretto, PA.

Born September 17, 1929 in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania he was given the name Harold by his parents, Harold and Florence (Reibel).  After graduating from Myers High School in Wilkes-Barre, Harold enrolled in the United States Army.

Following his active duty in the military, Harold entered the Franciscan Friars as a postulant in December 1955 at Mt. Assisi Friary and became a candidate with the Third Order Regular Franciscans. A year later, he entered the novitiate and received the name Norman. Br. Norman professed his first vows in July 1957 at Portiuncula Monastery in Washington, D.C. and then his final profession of vows in 1960. 

After solemn vows Br. Norman dedicated 36 years of his life at The Mariale Press (print shop) in Loretto, PA where he was the sole employee and operator, overseeing the printing of stationary, booklets, newsletters, and the like for St. Francis College, St. Francis Seminary, and the Province. Br. Norman then spent 11 years at the Province’s retirement home in Winchester, Virginia serving as sacristan and assisting in other ways to meet the needs of our elderly friars. Then in 2007, Br. Norman returned to Loretto to begin his own retirement journey in which he continued to serve as sacristan as well as a mail carrier between the friary and local post office. Bro. Norman also loved dogs, having owned three during his years in the print shop.

In addition to his parents, Br. Norman is preceded in death by his brother Reverend Dennis McNelis, C.S.C. and his sister Mary Yockers.  He is survived by his sister Alice Zipilivan, as well as extended family, and his Franciscan Community.

 
Friends will be received from 4:00 p.m. until the 7:00 p.m. Vigil Prayer Service, on Friday, June 23, 2023 at Saint Francis Friary at Mount Assisi in Loretto. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be concelebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 24, 2023 at St. Francis Friary at Mount Assisi with the Reverend Benjamin Medeiros, T.O.R., as principal celebrant. Following the Mass, interment will take place at the Franciscan Friars’ Cemetery on the campus of Saint Francis University, Loretto.

In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings for the Friar’s Retirement Fund can be made payable to: Franciscan Friars TOR, P.O. Box 500, Loretto, PA 15940.

Online condolences can be made by visiting gibbonsfunerals.com. Arrangements are by Gibbons Funeral Home, 301 Church St., Gallitzin, PA 16641.

Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord, and let perpetual light shine on him.  May he rest in peace.  Amen.

The Last Man Standing
(a reflection by Bill (Blandin) Karabinos)