Peter Carr, OFM

1911 – 2000

Fr. Peter Carr, OFM, was born on Feb. 14, 1911 in Sugar Notch, Pa., and baptized John. After working for two years, he matriculated at St. Bonaventure College, Allegany, N.Y., graduating in 1934. Later, he earned a master’s degree in history. He was received into the Order at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J., in 1934, taking the name Peter. He professed temporary vows one year later, made his solemn profession in 1938, and was ordained in 1939.

He was stationed at his alma mater as an instructor in American history, an assignment that lasted for 11 years, with a three-year interruption for military service as an Army chaplain. Fr. Peter spent 1951 at St. Anthony Shrine, Boston, then six years preaching parish missions while residing at the friary at Siena College, Loudonville, N.Y.

Fr. Peter then spent six years promoting Friar magazine before beginning five years of parochial ministry: three as pastor at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Triangle, Va., and two as an associate at St. Elizabeth’s Parish, Wyckoff, N.J. Thereafter, his home base was St. Anthony Friary, Butler, N.J., his residence from 1969 until his official retirement in 1976.

He continued active ministry until 1995, helping mostly in parishes in the Diocese of Scranton, Pa., especially at St. Ann’s in Freeland for long stretches of time. In 1995, he settled into St. Anthony Friary, St. Petersburg, Fla., remaining there until he transferred to Holy Name Friary, Ringwood, N.J., in 2000.

He died there on Nov. 26, 2000. Fr. Peter was 89 years old, a professed Franciscan friar for 65 years, and a priest for 61 years.