Father Roy Robert Schuster

Father Roy Schuster, OFM Cap, a native of Pittsburgh, PA, and long-time missionary, died in Charleston, WV, on Thursday, March 1, 2012. He was 78. Born to John and Mary (Wolf) Schuster on November 7, 1933, in Wilkinsburg, PA, he was given the name Robert at his baptism at St. James Church. He attended Catholic elementary schools in Pittsburgh before entering St. Fidelis High School Seminary in Herman, PA. He was given the name Roy at his investiture as a Capuchin friar on July 13, 1953, and made his first profession of vows on July 14, 1954. Three years later he professed solemn vows as a Capuchin friar at SS. Peter & Paul Friary in Cumberland, MD. After completing his theological studies at Capuchin College in Washington, DC, Father Roy was ordained to the priesthood at the Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on June 6, 1959. Father Firmin Schmidt, OFM Cap, the future first bishop of the Diocese of Mendi, Papua New Guinea, preached at Father Roy's First Mass. Father Roy earned a graduate degree in canon law at The Catholic University of America in Washington in 1961. His choice of the festive preacher at his First Mass indicated Father Roy's desire to be a missionary. After receiving his degree, he was appointed to the Capuchin mission in the Southern Highlands of Papua New Guinea. His introductory assignment in Erave prepared him to become the pastor of Queen of the Friars Minor Parish in Kagua, where he served for twelve years. In 1974 he was named pastor of SS. Peter & Paul Parish in Det. In all, Father Roy served twenty years as a missionary in Papua New Guinea. His desire and ability to learn the local language of the people he served is legendary. Papua New Guinea has over 800 separate languages; Father Roy had a burning desire to learn the language of his parishioners and was able to preach with great effect without the help of a translator. One fellow missionary friar remarked that Father Roy never disappointed in preaching. He immersed himself in the life and culture of the people, which greatly aided him in conveying the Gospel to the first generation of Catholics in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea. He was loved by his parishioners because they knew he loved them enough to learn their ways and their languages. While in Papua New Guinea, Father Roy gained the friendship and affection of many, including numerous lay missionaries and nuns, especially the Sisters of St. Francis of Oldenburg, Indiana. Sister Kate Holohan was a very close and dear friend to Father Roy from the time of their partnership in ministry in Papua New Guinea to the time of his passing in West Virginia. Father Roy returned to the United States in 1981, first as assistant pastor at St. Joseph Parish in Dover, OH. From 1985 to 1992 he became pastor of St. Anthony Church in Charleston and St. Patrick Church in Coalton, WV. In 1992 he was appointed pastor of Our Lady of Peace Church in Conway, PA, through 1997. Father Roy returned to Charleston, WV, in 2001 to serve as pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Coalton, and shortly thereafter as pastor of Our Lady of the Hills Parish in Clendenin, WV. Throughout his years in ministry in Charleston, he resided at St. Anthony Friary. He retired from active ministry in early 2009 but remained at St. Anthony Friary for the rest of his life. Father Roy will be fondly remembered for his athletic abilities, particularly in his younger years. However, even in recent years, when age and sickness were a constant companion, he would often take to the golf course. Visitation and viewing will take place at St. Anthony Church (1000 Sixth Street, Charleston, WV, 25302) on Sunday, March 4, 1012, from 2PM to 4PM and 7PM to 9PM. A Vigil for the Deceased will be celebrated at 8PM in the church. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Anthony Church on Monday at 11AM. A luncheon will be provided by the parish. Father Roy's remains will be transported to St. Augustine Cemetery in Pittsburgh, PA, for graveside prayers and committal, on Tuesday, March 6, commencing at 10AM.