Obituary – Fr. Bernie Tickerhoof, TOR
Father Bernard Francis “Bernie” Tickerhoof, TOR was greeted by Sister Death on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at age 75. The son of David and Magdalen Ann (Ruth) Tickerhoof, Fr. Bernie grew up in Johnstown, PA the youngest of four children. After graduating from Bishop McCort High School in 1968, he joined the Franciscans as a postulant and professed solemn vows five years later. After earning a Master of Divinity at St. Francis Seminary, he was ordained to the priesthood on May 13, 1978.
As a Franciscan priest, Father Bernie thoroughly enjoyed retreat ministry serving at various retreat centers for over 30 years. They included the Franciscan Renewal Center in Winchester, VA (1981 – 1990); the Burning Bush House of Prayer in Pittsburgh, PA (1990 – 1992); and the Franciscan Spirit & Life Center in Whitehall, PA (1996 – 2004). The last fourteen years of his life, he continued to provide spiritual direction and travel to give retreats across the U.S. through the Province’s Franciscan Pathways program.
His ministry as a retreat and spiritual director also led to his service as Postulant Director and Novice Director for over ten years. During much of his life, Fr. Bernie was also deeply committed to ministry within the Secular Franciscan Order as a Spiritual Assistant to both local fraternities and the Lady Poverty Region.
In addition to earning a bachelor’s degree in history from Saint Francis College, Fr. Bernie also earned a Master of Theology (ThM) from the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkley, CA and a Doctorate in Ministry (DMin) at the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.
Fr. Bernie’s life reflected a deep faith, demonstrated through his passion for writing and his tailored holistic spirituality, faith and biblical conversions as well as leadership development. He will be remembered fondly not only for his professional achievements but especially for his deep love for continued learning, which he shared through not only his ministry but storytelling, social justice, ecumenism and interfaith, holistic spirituality and ecological concerns. He authored several books and articles on a variety of topics in spiritual life. His most recent book titled The One Body of Christ in a Quantum Age, published by Orvis Books in 2024, explores the relationship between Christian spirituality, theology and quantum theory.
Preceded in death by his parents, he is survived by his sister Ruthayn Tickerhoof, two brothers Gerard Tickerhoof and Fr. David Tickerhoof, TOR, as well as his Franciscan Community.
Family and friends are invited to a viewing on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Saint Francis Friary at Mount Assisi in Loretto, PA. A Vigil Prayer Service will be held at 7 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 14, 2026, at Saint Francis Friary with the Very Reverend Joseph Lehman, TOR, as the principal celebrant. After the Mass, interment will take place at the Franciscan Friars’ Cemetery on the Saint Francis University campus in Loretto. If you are attending the funeral services, please click HERE to RSVP.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions for the Friars’ Retirement Fund can be made payable to: Franciscan Friars TOR, P.O. Box 500, Loretto, PA 15940. Arrangements are handled by Gibbons Funeral Home, 301 Church St., Gallitzin, PA 16641. Online condolences can be left at gibbonsfunerals.com.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
