Sad news this week for members of the former St Mary Czestochowa Parish on Versailles Ave (now Corpus Christi). Rev. Francis Bernard Lachowicz, 80, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014. He entered the seminary at St. Charles Borromeo in Philadelphia in September 1952 and was ordained to the priesthood on March 25, 1960, in St. Paul Cathedral in Pittsburgh. Father served as sub-deacon at Nativity, Broughton and deacon at St. Victor, Bairdford. He served as Parochial Vicar at St. Wendelin, Carrick; St. Adalbert, South Side; St. Josaphat, South Side; St. Joseph, Coraopolis; and St. Martha, Groveton. On Feb. 7, 1977, he was appointed to his first pastorate as pastor of St. Denis, Versailles, and its mission, St. Patrick, Alpsville. In 1993, he was appointed pastor of St. Mary Czestochowa Parish, McKeesport, and served there until his retirement in 2004. In June 1983, he was elected dean of the South Central Allegheny Deanery of the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Father has been the recipient of many scholastic and athletic awards. He held degrees in philosophy and moral theology, was a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus, an American Red Cross swim and first aid instructor, Eagle Scout and honorary police chaplain. On Nov. 7, 2001, Father Lachowicz was appointed a member of the McKeesport Civil Service Commission by the then Mayor Kucich. During his 27 years in McKeesport, three mayors have honored him for his civic accomplishments. Father Lachowicz was always proud of his ethnic heritage and expressed it in his fondness for Polish foods. He could dance the polka with the best of them. He loved life and he loved people. His kindnesses were shown in many ways: his generous giving to the poor and homeless, his continuous support to The Intersection and his ongoing support to the Right to Life causes. Many who knew and loved Father, will agree his passing will leave a big void in their lives. He has left his mark in this world and he will be greatly missed. As he goes to meet his maker, the Lord will say to him, Well done, good and faithful servant. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27, 2014, at the JAYCOX-JAWORSKI FUNERAL HOME INC., 2703 ONeil Blvd., McKeesport, PA 15132. Friends will also be received from 2 p.m. until the hour of Translation Services at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014, in Corpus Christi Church, 2515 Versailles Ave., McKeesport, PA 15132. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 29, 2014, by Bishop William J. Winter in Corpus Christi Church. Interment will follow in St. Marys Polish Cemetery, White Oak. In lieu of flowers, Masses would be appreciated.
Posted on: Wed, 24 Dec 2014 11:57:16 +0000
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