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Richard Loeper Obituary
Rev. Msgr. Richard J. Loeper, Pastor
Emeritus, Holy Ghost Parish, Bethlehem, Pa., died on Saturday, August 26, 2017, at Holy Family Villa for Priests, Bethlehem, at the age of 92.
Born in Reading, he was a son of the late Joseph J. and Mary A. (Voelker) Loeper.
He attended Saint Paul Grammar School, Reading, and Reading Central Catholic High School. He attended Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, Millersville State College and Villanova University, from which he received a master's
degree in education administration, and The Institute for Continuing Theological Education at North American
College, Rome, Italy.
He was ordained to the Priesthood on May 27, 1950, by the Most Reverend J. Carroll McCormick, at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia.
Msgr. Loeper's first priestly assignment was Parochial Vicar, Saint Mary Parish, Phoenixville, followed by
professor, Allentown Central Catholic High School, with residence at Our Lady Help of Christians Rectory and Saint Stephen of Hungary Rectory, Allentown; Principal, Pius X High School, Roseto, with residence at Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Rectory, Pen Argyl; and Principal, Holy Name High School, Reading, with residence at Saint Cyril and Methodius Rectory.
Msgr. Loeper's first Pastoral Assignment was at Saint
Joseph Parish, Reading. He was later named Pastor of Holy Guardian Angels Parish, Hyde Park, followed by Pastor, Holy Ghost Parish, Bethlehem, where he remained until his retirement and was named Pastor Emeritus, Holy Ghost Parish, Bethlehem, on June 15, 1999.
He also served on various committees in the diocese throughout his ministry. Msgr. Loeper was named an
Honorary Prelate of His Holiness by Pope Paul VI, on
December 21, 1974.
Survivors: He is survived by his brother, Donald J. Loeper, M.D.; and sister, Bernadette (Loeper) Wolff;
18 nieces and nephews; and numerous grandnieces and grandnephews.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, the Reverend Frederick Loeper and Charles Loeper.
Services: A viewing will be held on Friday evening, from 6-8:00 p.m. with a Vigil Service at 7:30 p.m. in Holy Ghost R.C. Church, 417 Carlton Ave., Bethlehem.
A second viewing will be held on Saturday morning from 10-10:45 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. in Immaculate Conception BVM Church, 905 Chestnut St., Douglassville, PA, by His Excellency, The Most Reverend Alfred A. Schlert, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Allentown.
Burial will be in Gethsemane Cemetery, Laureldale.
Arrangements entrusted to the JAMES FUNERAL HOME, 527 Center St., Bethlehem.
Offer condolences to the family at
Contributions: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Msgr. Loeper's memory to the Bishop's Annual Appeal, Diocese of Allentown, P.O. Box F, Allentown, PA 18105 or to Holy Ghost Church, 417 Carlton Ave. Bethlehem, PA 18015.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Loeper
Alexander L. Kristof
August 22, 2022
Father Loeper was principal at "Pius X High School" when I graduated from Pius in 1962. He was always Professional and admired by the student body. I was president of the senior class my senior year and had frequent interaction with Father Loeper, he was a true professional and I have found memories of Him!
Rose M Valletta Fiorot
August 25, 2019
Our Pius X Class of 1961 still fondly talk about you and how much we admired your intellect and demeanor--a true priest and disciple of Christ in every sense of the word. May you Rest in Eternal Peace.
CARLO DELLATORE
August 24, 2019
REST IN PEACE I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU
carlo dellatore
August 22, 2019
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Ngo
September 2, 2017
My condolences to your family. May God be your strength in this time of deep sorrow.
Frank Godino
August 31, 2017
Msgr. Loeper was absolutely brilliant and had a very dry sense of humor. I recall when I was a student at Pius X when he was Principal, I missed classes on day, but showed up to play in a basketball game that same evening. After the game I waited in the locker room until everyone had left and most of the lights were turned off. At that point I felt it was safe to exit the locker back into the gym to exit. Lo and behold at the top of the bleachers stood Msgr.in an empty gym. He beckoned me to join him. Figuring I was in real trouble I I complied with the summoning, and was truly surprised that following a short "sermon" was told that in the future if I intended to participate in any athletic event best I be well enough to also attend classes the day of the event. He was a wonderful person and great priest.
Rose Mary Valletta Fiorot
August 31, 2017
My deepest sympathy to Monsignor's family. As a student at Pius X High School, I so admired his professionalism, spirituality, dedication, intellect, and, yes, at times his humor. One example is when he told Janice and me that he thought our cheering uniforms were a bit too short and that perhaps we should add some lace to the bottom. The uniforms were an inch above our knees, if that! We loved you, dear Monsignor. May you rest in peace and may perpetual light shine upon you.
August 30, 2017
I am certain he was welcomed into eternal life by many who he shared the love of the Lord with over so many years. He now has the reward of his goodness. We have been praying for him now we can also pray to him asking him to ask the Lord to fill us with His love, joy and peace. Yours in Christ Joe Rock
August 30, 2017
I was sad to hear of Father Loeper's passing. He was the principal of Pius X High School when I graduated in 1962. He always showed a professionalism in running the school and I always have had fond memories of him!
Alexander L. Kristof
Pius X High School, Class of 1962
Susan Lewis
August 30, 2017
Rest in peace
DONATO GIAQUINTO
August 30, 2017
HE ALWAYS SAID HIS GOAL WAS TO TEACH US HOW TO THINK. UNFORTUNATELY TODAY'S EDUCATIONAL COMMUNITY SEEMS ONLY INTERESTED IN TEACHING STUDENTS WHAT TO THINK.WE ALL COULD USE MORE TEACHERS LIKE MONSIGNOR LOEPER I WILL BE FOREVER GRATEFUL TO HAVE BEEN HIS STUDENT
DONATO GIAQUINTO PIUS X 1961
CARLO DELLATORE
August 30, 2017
REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND TILL ME MEET IN HEAVEN I WONT TO BE BY YOUR SIDE FOREVER
CARLO DELLATORE
August 30, 2017
father LOEPER IM IN SADDNESS TO HEAR OF YOU PASSING YOU WERE A SPECAIL FRIEND OF MINE ALL MY PRAYERS MAY YOU NOW REST IN PEACE YOU DONE SO MANY GOOD THINGS YOU WERE AT MY WEDDING MANY YEARS AGO ILL NEVER FORGET YOU TILL WE MEET AGAIN CARLO W DELLATORE MAYBE YOU CAN HEAR MY SINS AS YOU DID FOR ME IN YOUR CAR ( I WAS NOT A CHURCH MEMBER AT THAT TIME YOU TOOK ME UNDER YOUR WING TO SAVE ME ) ILL NEVER FORGET YOUR DEED AGAIN THANK YOU FATHER LOEPER
ANTHONY J LIBERTO
August 30, 2017
"The Jaw". One of the GREAT ONES. Eternal Rest grant unto him O Lord. He made Metaphysics exciting. Discipline an enviable goal. Sacrifice an example to emulate. A very religious Diocesan, his life was a shining example of GIVING.
Anthony J Liberto 61
Pius X, Roseto, Pa
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