Deceased Friars

Bernard Sharpe, OFM

Bernard Sharpe

1916 – 1986

Fr. Bernard Sharpe, OFM, was born in Coaldale, Pa., on Sept. 8, 1916. He graduated from St. Bonaventure College and entered the Province’s novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary in Paterson, N.J., in 1938.

In 1939, he professed his temporary vows and made his profession of solemn vows in 1942. Fr. Bernard was ordained a priest in 1942 in the Chapel of St. Bonaventure College, Allegany, N.Y.

Fr. Bernard’s first assignment was to St. Francis of Assisi Church in New York City. He served in All Saints Parish in Jersey City, N.J., for almost two years and returned to St. Francis to minister until 1953, when he was assigned to St. Anthony Shrine in Boston.

He also ministered in parishes in Winsted, Conn., Fair Lawn, N.J., Elmwood Park, N.J., and Rochelle Park, N.J. In 1976, Fr. Bernard returned to St. Francis of Assisi Church, where he worked until his death. Fr. Bernard was a kind, compassionate and challenging confessor, and he also served as a chaplain to the Franciscan Family Circle.

On Aug. 17, 1986, the day he was to begin his vacation, Fr. Bernard died in his room at St. Francis Friary in New York City. He was 69 years old, a professed friar for 47 years and a priest for 43 years.

Each of us should be called a lesser brother, a Friar Minor. Each one of us should wash the feet of the others.”

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Bernard Sharpe, OFM

Bernard Sharpe

1916 – 1986

Fr. Bernard Sharpe, OFM, was born in Coaldale, Pa., on Sept. 8, 1916. He graduated from St. Bonaventure College and entered the Province’s novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary in Paterson, N.J., in 1938.

In 1939, he professed his temporary vows and made his profession of solemn vows in 1942. Fr. Bernard was ordained a priest in 1942 in the Chapel of St. Bonaventure College, Allegany, N.Y.

Fr. Bernard’s first assignment was to St. Francis of Assisi Church in New York City. He served in All Saints Parish in Jersey City, N.J., for almost two years and returned to St. Francis to minister until 1953, when he was assigned to St. Anthony Shrine in Boston.

He also ministered in parishes in Winsted, Conn., Fair Lawn, N.J., Elmwood Park, N.J., and Rochelle Park, N.J. In 1976, Fr. Bernard returned to St. Francis of Assisi Church, where he worked until his death. Fr. Bernard was a kind, compassionate and challenging confessor, and he also served as a chaplain to the Franciscan Family Circle.

On Aug. 17, 1986, the day he was to begin his vacation, Fr. Bernard died in his room at St. Francis Friary in New York City. He was 69 years old, a professed friar for 47 years and a priest for 43 years.