Father Francis Storms, 63 years of age, a professed OFM friar for 30 years and a priest for 30 years, died March 23 at Holy Name Friary, Ringwood, N.J.
Francis was born on November 17, 1942, in Paterson, N.J., to Thomas and Elizabeth (née Oldham) Storms. He was baptized Roger on December 13 at St. Anthony Church in Butler, N.J. He graduated from St. Anthony in 1957, and De Paul High School in Wayne, N.J., in 1961.
Francis entered the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn on February 1, 1963, and professed his vows in that congregation on January 6, 1965. He was assigned to the faculty of Bishop Ford High School in Brooklyn and then transferred in July 1968 to St. Francis Preparatory School. In 1973, he earned an M.A. in Theology from St. Bonaventure University.
On September 1, 1974, Francis was received into the Order of Friars Minor, Holy Name Province, in Brookline, Mass., by Finian Kerwin. He professed his solemn vows on August 16, 1975 at Brookline.
After completing his theology studies at Pope John XXIII Seminary in August 1975, Francis was ordained him a priest in St. Francis of Assisi Church by Bishop Lawrence Graziano on West 31st Street in New York City on December 6, 1975.
Francis then was assigned to St. Bonaventure University and served there over the years as theology instructor, registrar, guardian, director of the infirmary and executive vice president until 1987. He served for one year as the pastor and guardian of Sacred Heart Parish in Rochelle Park, N.J. before returning to St. Bonaventure University as assistant to the president and friary treasurer, until earlier this month when he transferred to Holy Name Friary in Ringwooddue due to ill health.
May he rest in peace.