Deceased Friars

Walter Mehrmann, OFM

Walter Mehrmann

1946 – 1986

Br. Walter Mehrmann, OFM, was born on Feb. 18, 1946 in Woodhaven, N.Y. After graduation from high school, he entered the brothers’ formation program at St. Stephen’s Friary, Croghan, N.Y. He was received into the novitiate at St. Raphael’s Friary, Lafayette, N.J., in 1967, professing temporary vows one year later.

He was assigned to St. Francis Friary in New York City, where he spent the rest of his religious life. Br. Wally worked on the front desk and at the switchboard, and later served as a welcoming guest master. He made his solemn profession in 1971.

A kind and gentle friar, he was always available for work in the friary — in the sacristy, on the breadline, taking sick friars to the doctors and caring for the ill friars of the community. Through his work on the front desk, Br. Wally fed and clothed many poor people. He was a generous and unselfish friar who was devoted to the Eucharist and Our Lady. During his final illness, he displayed the same cheerfulness that marked his entire life.

He died on Dec. 24, 1986 at St. Vincent’s Hospital, New York City. Br. Wally was 40 years old and a professed friar for 18 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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Walter Mehrmann, OFM

Walter Mehrmann

1946 – 1986

Br. Walter Mehrmann, OFM, was born on Feb. 18, 1946 in Woodhaven, N.Y. After graduation from high school, he entered the brothers’ formation program at St. Stephen’s Friary, Croghan, N.Y. He was received into the novitiate at St. Raphael’s Friary, Lafayette, N.J., in 1967, professing temporary vows one year later.

He was assigned to St. Francis Friary in New York City, where he spent the rest of his religious life. Br. Wally worked on the front desk and at the switchboard, and later served as a welcoming guest master. He made his solemn profession in 1971.

A kind and gentle friar, he was always available for work in the friary — in the sacristy, on the breadline, taking sick friars to the doctors and caring for the ill friars of the community. Through his work on the front desk, Br. Wally fed and clothed many poor people. He was a generous and unselfish friar who was devoted to the Eucharist and Our Lady. During his final illness, he displayed the same cheerfulness that marked his entire life.

He died on Dec. 24, 1986 at St. Vincent’s Hospital, New York City. Br. Wally was 40 years old and a professed friar for 18 years.