Father Julio Rivero, T.O.R., 96, a member of the Franciscan Friars of the Third Order Regular, Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, in his 60th year of religious life died on Friday, July 11, 2025 at St. Francis Friary-Mt. Assisi in Loretto.
After Father Julio was ordained in 1969, he began a 19-year educational teaching career which included Bishop Egan High School in Fairless Hills, Saint Francis Preparatory School in Spring Grove, and Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio. Fr. Julio transitioned into parochial ministry for almost two decades in Florida ministering in several dioceses and parishes with his parochial and healing ministry. His served at Saint Mary Our Lady of Grace as a parochial vicar and then as a chaplain at Saint Petersburg Catholic High School. He moved briefly for a year to Clearwater, Florida to be the Chaplain of House of Prayer before his ministry at Saint John’s Church in St. Petersburg Beach, and Sacred Heart Parish in Bradenton. Fr. Julio completed his ministry at Saint Andrew’s Church in Fort Worth, Texas for a year before coming back to Mt. Assisi in Loretto to start his retirement in 2016.
Fr. Julio had a love music, especially Gregorian Chant and playing the organ which led him to receiving a bachelor’s degree in music education from Columbia University. He was well versed in Spanish earning Master’s Degrees in both Spanish and a Bilingual Education. Fr. Julio also published a book called: Encounters with the Holy Spirit: Memoirs of a Priest. Fr. Julio will be greatly missed with his deep vocation of love, spiritual insights and gifts he so freely shared with all those who came to him in need of the Lord’s healing touch.
Born in New York City he is preceded in death by his parents, Rogelio and Carmen (Blanco) Rivero as well as his seven brothers: Gilbert, Edwardo, Rogelio, George, Anselmo, Raymond, Ricardo and two sisters: Adela and Iluminada. He is survived by his niece, Candida Navedo, numerous nephews, nieces, great nephews, great nieces, cousins and his Franciscan Community.
In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings for the Friars’ Retirement Fund can be made payable to: Franciscan Friars TOR, P.O. Box 500, Loretto, PA 15940. A complete obituary and link to view the funeral services live can be found at franciscanstor.org. Arrangements are by Gibbons Funeral Home, 301 Church St., Gallitzin, PA 16641. Online condolences can be made by visiting gibbonsfunerals.com.
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