HACKENSACK, N.J. — Allen Weber, OFM, 75, a professed Franciscan friar for 33 years and a priest for 50, died Dec. 25, Christmas Day, at Hackensack University Medical Center.
A wake was held Dec. 29 at Assumption of Our Blessed Lady Church in Wood-Ridge, N.J., where Allen had been stationed. The Office of the Dead was celebrated there the next day, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, with Provincial Minister Kevin Mullen, OFM, as principal celebrant. A memorial Mass, celebrated by James Vacco, OFM, was offered at the same time in the chapel at St. Bonaventure University in Western New York, where Allen had lived for nearly 27 years. Burial followed at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Totowa, N.J.
Early Years and Ministry
Allen was born on May 22, 1940 in Newark, N.J., to Henry and Diana Weber. After graduating from Plainfield, N.J., High School in 1957, he studied for the priesthood in the Archdiocese of Newark. He earned bachelor’s degrees in classical languages and philosophy from Seton Hall University in South Orange, N.J., in 1961.
He received the S.T.B. from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., in 1965 and was ordained to the priesthood in May of that year. His first assignment was as associate at St. Theresa’s Parish in Kenilworth, N.J. He also taught religion part-time at Union Catholic High School in Scotch Plains. Seven years later, Allen joined the staff full-time while serving as chaplain to the Marist brothers. In 1977, he became guidance counselor at Union Catholic. While teaching, he earned a master’s in religious education from Fordham University, Bronx, N.Y., in 1975 and a master’s in school psychology from Seton Hall University in 1979.
In 1977, Allen attended a retreat at St. Francis Retreat Center, Rye Beach, N.H., and began thinking about becoming a friar. Allen was received into the Franciscan Order in 1981 in Brookline, Mass., and professed his first vows there the following year. He made his solemn profession in 1986 and began working on his doctorate in counseling at Catholic University.
In 1987, Allen was assigned to St. Bonaventure University, where he would spend most of his Franciscan life. He worked first at the university’s counseling center. After he completed his doctorate in counseling in 1990, he was appointed assistant professor in the school of education. He taught in the university’s graduate counselor education program, as well as in Clare College, the university’s core curriculum.
Allen eventually attained the rank of associate professor and served on several university committees, including 12 years on the SBU Faculty Senate. He was president of the Association for Spiritual, Ethical and Religious Values in Counseling from 2000 to 2003.
In 2014, Allen retired from teaching and was assigned to Assumption of Our Blessed Lady Church as senior parochial vicar. He also served as spiritual assistant to the Secular Franciscans at St. Anne’s Parish in Fair Lawn, N.J. He celebrated the 50th anniversary of his ordination last year.
Allen is survived by his brother, John Weber, of Springfield, N.J.; his cousin, Patrick Appello of Milford, N.J.; and several nieces and nephews.
Memorial donations may be sent to Franciscan Friars — Holy Name Province, 144 West 32nd St., New York, NY 10001-3202.
— Compiled by Carolyn Croke and Maria Hayes
Related Links
- “St. Bonaventure Lauds 55 Employees for Years of Service at 2014 Spring Honors and Awards Ceremony” — April 15, 2014, SBU.edu
- “Province Honors 15 Friars at Jubilee Celebration in Manhattan” — July 11, 2007, HNP Today