Deceased Friars

Pius Noonan, OFM

Pius Noonan

1905 – 1974

Fr. Pius Noonan, OFM, was born in Wayne, N.J., on Feb. 12, 1905. He entered the novitiate in Paterson, N.J., on Aug. 16, 1927, and professed temporary vows Aug. 18, 1928. Fr. Pius made his profession of solemn vows Aug. 18, 1931, and was ordained a priest on Oct. 20, 1935, in the lower church of St. Francis of Assisi Church in New York City.

Fr. Pius spent most of his priestly life at St. Francis Church on West 31st Street. He was a kind and gentle friar who was among the friar-legends of 31st Street. He was always available for confessions, and was known among the people and the friars as a very compassionate confessor and a patient listener. He spent a great deal of time visiting the sick or shut-ins.

Fr. Pius served as vicar of the community, and derived his nickname, “Dusty,” from the fact that he was the friary librarian. He died in his room at St. Francis Friary on May 7, 1974. He was 69 years old, a professed friar for 45 years, and a priest for 38 years.

Each of us should be called a lesser brother, a Friar Minor. Each one of us should wash the feet of the others.”

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Pius Noonan, OFM

Pius Noonan

1905 – 1974

Fr. Pius Noonan, OFM, was born in Wayne, N.J., on Feb. 12, 1905. He entered the novitiate in Paterson, N.J., on Aug. 16, 1927, and professed temporary vows Aug. 18, 1928. Fr. Pius made his profession of solemn vows Aug. 18, 1931, and was ordained a priest on Oct. 20, 1935, in the lower church of St. Francis of Assisi Church in New York City.

Fr. Pius spent most of his priestly life at St. Francis Church on West 31st Street. He was a kind and gentle friar who was among the friar-legends of 31st Street. He was always available for confessions, and was known among the people and the friars as a very compassionate confessor and a patient listener. He spent a great deal of time visiting the sick or shut-ins.

Fr. Pius served as vicar of the community, and derived his nickname, “Dusty,” from the fact that he was the friary librarian. He died in his room at St. Francis Friary on May 7, 1974. He was 69 years old, a professed friar for 45 years, and a priest for 38 years.