Francis X. Niederlander, OFM

1897 – 1980

Fr. Francis Niederlander, OFM, was born Dec. 26, 1897 in Brooklyn, N.Y. After attending St. Joseph’s Seraphic Seminary, Callicoon, N.Y., he was received into the Order in 1920, professing temporary vows one year later. Fr. Francis made his solemn profession in 1924 and was ordained in 1927.

He served at St. Anthony Parish in Butler, N.J., and developed the Wanaque mission when it was located near the Wanaque Dam. In 1936, he was assigned to St. Francis of Assisi Parish in New York City, where he ministered until 1961. He returned to Butler, N.J., as an assistant before becoming the curator at the Province’s house in Margate, N.J., where he served for 10 years. After 15 more years of service at St. Anthony Parish, he retired to St. Anthony Friary, St. Petersburg, Fla.

He died there on Jan. 19, 1980. Fr. Francis was 82 years old, a professed friar for 58 years and a priest for 52 years.