The Rev. Patrick A. Seelman, T.O.R.

The Rev. Patrick A. Seelman, T.O.R., 92, of the Third Order Regular Franciscans of the Province of the Immaculate Conception, died peacefully on Saturday, at Garvey Manor, Hollidaysburg.  

Father Patrick was born June 3, 1928, in Utica, N.Y., and given the name Ambrose at Baptism. He was the son of the late Ambrose and Grace (Daly-Schrader) Seelman.

He entered the Franciscan Community on Sept. 5, 1954, and professed Solemn Vows on June 6, 1959. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 8, 1963, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C.

Fr. Patrick served the Church and the Franciscan community primarily as a Pastor and Parochial Vicar in parishes in the Archdiocese of Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn., the Diocese of Orlando, Fla., the Diocese of Rochester and Syracuse, N.Y., and the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, Pa. Locally, he served as Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Altoona and Pastor at St. Anthony Church, Johnstown.  

Fr. Patrick also served as the National Spiritual Assistant to the Secular Franciscan Order and was a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus. In response to the call of the Second Vatican Council, he also served for three years as a missionary in Paraguay, S.A.  His last assignment was to the Ministry of Prayer at St. Bernardine Monastery, Hollidaysburg.

Fr. Patrick was predeceased by his parents and only sister, the late Sister M. Grace Seelman, OSF.

Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, a private funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020, at the St. Bernardine Monastery Chapel, Hollidaysburg. Very Reverend Father Frank Scornaienchi, T.O.R., Minister Provincial, will be the principal celebrant. Interment will follow in the Franciscan Friars’ Community Cemetery.

Memorials in Fr. Patrick’s name may be made to the Franciscan Friars’ Development Office, P.O. Box 139, Hollidaysburg, PA  16648.

Arrangements are by the Santella Funeral Home.

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