David Sporer, OFM

1904 –

1904 – 1983

Br. David Sporer, OFM, was born Jan. 19, 1904 in Niagara Falls, N.Y. In 1935, he was received as a tertiary brother at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in New York City. He entered the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary in Paterson, N.J., in 1936, professing temporary vows one year later. Br. David made his solemn profession in 1940.

He spent the majority of his ministry at St. Francis Parish and St. Elizabeth Parish in Denver. For 17 years, he served at St. Elizabeth’s as a sacristan and by caring for the breadline there. Br. David loved being a sacristan and took great care in decorating the church and keeping everything neat and clean. He set a pattern of quiet dependability and self-effacement that characterized his entire life.

In 1954, he was assigned to St. Francis Parish, where he worked in the finance office and was responsible for the collection boxes. Illness forced him to retire to the Provincial infirmary at St. Bonaventure University, Allegany, N.Y., where he cared for the infirmary chapel.

He died on Dec. 31, 1983 at St. Francis Hospital in Olean, N.Y. Br. David was 79 years old, a professed friar for 46 years.