Francis Storms, OFM

1942 – 2006

Fr. Francis Storms, OFM, was born Nov. 17, 1942 in Paterson, N.J., and baptized Roger. He entered the novitiate of the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn, N.Y., in 1963, professing temporary vows one year later. In 1974, he was received into the Order at St. Francis Friary, Brookline, Mass. Fr. Francis professed solemn vows and was ordained in 1975.

After his ordination, Fr. Francis was assigned as an instructor at St. Bonaventure University, Allegany, N.Y. In 1978, he served as registrar, and in 1979, he served as guardian of the friary there. Four years later, Fr. Francis became executive vice president of the university. For several months in 1985, he served as acting president.

In 1987, Fr. Francis was assigned as pastor and guardian of Sacred Heart Parish in Rochelle Park, N.J. He returned to St. Bonaventure in 1988 as associate dean for enrollment management and treasurer of the friary. In 1993, he was appointed assistant to the president. Nearly 13 years later, Fr. Francis left SBU for the last time, transferring to Holy Name Friary, Ringwood, N.J.

He died there on March 23, 2006. Fr. Francis was 63 years old, a professed friar for 41 years and a priest for 30 years.