JCL Rev. Robert J. Ahlin

The Diocese of Pittsburgh and the many communities he served mourn the passing of Reverend Robert J. Ahlin, JCL, who fell asleep in the Lord on Sunday, September 28, 2025, in Pittsburgh. He was 81 years old.

Throughout his formative years, he attended St. Wendelin Elementary and High Schools, St. Gregory College of Cincinnati, followed by his seminary period at St. Vincent College of Latrobe where he received his BA in Philosophy and Master of Divinity. A devoted priest of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, Fr. Ahlin was ordained on May 1, 1971 by Bishop Vincent M. Leonard at St. Paul Cathedral of Pittsburgh. His leadership in canonical matters was recognized by his peers through obtaining the degree of JCL (Licentiate of Canon Law) from the Catholic University of America, Washington D.C., in 1982. He would serve as a consultant for canonical services within the Diocese of Pittsburgh throughout his priesthood.

Fr. Ahlin served in a variety of roles within the Diocese, including as Parochial Vicar of St. Patrick Parish, Canonsburg (1971-1978); St. Peter Parish, Butler (1978-1980); Administrator and Pastor of the St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, Pittsburgh (1983-1993); Administrator, Pastor, and Senior Parochial Vicar of Holy Angels Parish, Hays, St. Sylvester Parish, Brentwood, and the Blessed Trinity Parish grouping of Pittsburgh from 2003 until his full retirement. In November of 2023, he was relieved of his responsibilities as Senior Parochial Vicar at Blessed Trinity Parish and granted permission to begin retirement, taking residence at Saint John Vianney Manor.

Over the decades, he labored faithfully in parish ministry, canonical work, and pastoral care, always striving to manifest Christ’s love and mercy to all he encountered. Fr. Ahlin was known by parishioners and colleagues alike for his gentleness, integrity, and deep pastoral concern. He was a spiritual Father to many, offering guidance, confession, celebration of sacraments, and presence in times of joy and sorrow.

Fr. Ahlin had a deep and abiding love for his family. He was a beloved son of the late Jacob and Elizabeth (Lunn) Ahlin; cherished brother of Janice (Raymond) Kircher and the late William (Christine) Ahlin; loving uncle of William (Janice) Ahlin, Joy (Leo) Hapeman, Lisa (Richard) Carryer, Karen (Anthony) Lee, Raymond Kircher, and Eileen (Matthew Payne) Ahlin; and treasured great-uncle of Emily Ahlin, Laura Ahlin, Adam Lee, Alli Carryer, Sophia Carryer, Erica Lee, Sarah Payne, and Rachel Payne. He is also survived by a large extended family, many of whom he joyfully discovered through his passionate work in genealogical research. He entertained those around him endlessly with his quiet demeanor, quick wit, and dry sense of humor - qualities that made time spent with him both comforting and memorable.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2-7 PM at the SAVOLSKIS-WASIK-GLENN FUNERAL HOME, INC., 3501 Main Street, Munhall, PA 15120; and Friday, October 3, 2-6 PM, at the Holy Angels Church of the Blessed Trinity Parish, 408 Baldwin Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15207. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial in celebration of Fr. Ahlin’s life and ministry will be presided by Bishop Mark Eckman on Saturday, October 4, 10:30 AM, at the St. Sylvester Church of the Blessed Trinity Parish, 3754 Brownsville Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15227. Everyone please meet at church. Interment will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Pittsburgh.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Fr. Ahlin's name may be made to the Blessed Trinity Parish, 3198 Schieck St., Pittsburgh PA 15227.

We give thanks for God’s gift in Fr. Ahlin, for his years of priestly service, and for the many lives he touched. May he rest now in Christ’s peace, and may perpetual light shine upon him. â€sLord, grant him eternal rest, and may your light shine upon him forevermore.â€t

Condolences may be left at www.swgfuneralhome.com.