RINGWOOD, N.J. — Lambert Valentine, OFM, died Oct. 29 at Holy Name Friary. He was a professed friar for 73 years and a priest for 68. At 98 years old, he was the eldest living member of the Province.
Funeral services were held Nov. 3 in Butler, N.J., beginning with a wake and a viewing. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by Provincial Minister John O’Connor, OFM, at St. Anthony Church. Burial followed at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Butler.
Early Years
Lambert was born Aug. 9, 1913, in Newark, N.J., to Nicholas and Mary Valentine and baptized Henry Anthony.
After attending St. Joseph Seraphic Seminary in Callicoon, N.Y., he entered the Order of Friars Minor in 1937, receiving the name Lambert, and professed first vows the following year. In 1941, Lambert professed solemn vows. He was ordained a priest in 1943.
Ministry
Lambert spent his entire active priestly ministry at St. Francis of Assisi Church on West 31st Street in New York.
From 1944 to 1978, he served in several capacities: as parochial vicar, procurator of the church and friary, and director of the Franciscan Family Circle Pilgrimage Office.
He remained at St. Francis as a part-time member of the pastoral staff until he retired to St. Anthony Friary, Butler, in April 2003. Six years later, Lambert became a permanent member of the community at Holy Name Friary in Ringwood.
Lambert is survived by his sister, Rose Montefusco, brother Raymond and brother’s wife Helen of Clark, N.J. His parents, Nicholas and Mary, and brothers Nicholas and James predeceased him.
Memorial contributions may be made to: The Franciscans — St. Anthony’s Guild, 7 Jersey St., East Rutherford NJ 07073-1012.
— Compiled by Theresa Bartha and Rebecca Doel