Paul F. Feichter, OFM

1918 – 2000

Fr. Paul Feichter, OFM, was born on Feb. 11, 1918 in Olean, N.Y. After graduating from St. Bonaventure School in Allegany, N.Y., in 1932, and much encouraged by Fr. Thomas Plassmann, OFM, he enrolled that September in St. Joseph’s Seraphic Seminary, Callicoon, N.Y. He was received into the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J., in 1939, professing temporary vows one year later. Fr. Paul made his solemn profession in 1943 and was ordained in 1947.

Over the next decades, Fr. Paul fulfilled assignments in 18 locations, mostly by serving through the Ministry of the Word and parochial ministry. He spent time in the Province’s Southern missions, in Colorado, California, Arizona, New Mexico and in the Northeast home territories. The longest, and perhaps most defining assignment, was the 13 years Fr. Paul spent at St. Elizabeth Parish, Denver, from 1963 to 1976, which he would later describe, in the words of good friend Fr. Edward Flanagan, as “the highlight and joy of his ministerial career.” He retired to Holy Name Friary, Ringwood, N.J., in 1998.

He died there on Feb. 27, 2000. Fr. Paul was 82 years old, a professed friar for 59 years and a priest for 52 years.