Marion Ressel, 89 years of age, a professed Franciscan friar for 53 years, died on June 20 at Holy Name Friary, Ringwood, N.J.
Marion was born on June 26, 1916 in Philadelphia, Pa., to Francis and Mary (née Rambo) Ressel. On July 1, 1919, he was baptized Francis Edward in the Church of St. Clement in Philadelphia. He attended Most Blessed Sacrament (1930), and West Philadelphia Catholic High Schools (1934). He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1944 to 1946.
Marion was received into the Franciscan Order on August 11, 1951 in Paterson, N.J., by Mathias Faust. He professed first vows there on August 13, 1952 before Celsus Wheeler. On August 17, 1955, he professed solemn vows in Allegany, N.Y., before Donald Hoag.
Marion’s assignments include maintaining the houses of the Province, guest master, refectorian, and support staff at St. Francis College, Rye Beach, N.H. (1950-1954); Siena College, Loudonville, N.Y. (1954-55); St. Francis, West 31st Street, New York City (1955-1958); Holy Name College, Washington, D.C. (1958-61); St. Elizabeth’s, Denver, Colo. (1961-71); St. Anthony Shrine, Boston, Mass. (1971-76); Vicar at St. Anthony’s Friary, St. Petersburg, Fla. (1976-79); St. Anthony Shrine, Boston (1979-82); St. Anthony’s Friary, St. Petersburg (1982-85); St. Francis, New York City (1985-88); St. Anthony’s, St. Petersburg (1988-March 18, 2001); Holy Name Friary, Ringwood (March 19, 2001-June 20, 2006).
Marion’s Wake was held on June 22 at the St. Margaret of Cortona Chapel, Holy Name Friary, Ringwood. The Provincial Vicar, Dominic Monti, was the principal celebrant of the Mass of Christian Burial on June 23 at St. Margaret of Cortona Chapel, and interment followed at God’s Acre Cemetery, Ringwood.
Marion is survived by his sister-in-law, Mrs. Joseph Ressel of Exton, Pa., and nephews, Joseph and Thomas. Condolences may be sent to Joseph at 208B Redbone Rd., Chester Springs, PA 19425.
May he rest in peace.