Rev. Joseph Markalonis T.O.R.

1936 - 2022

Rev. Joseph Markalonis, T.O.R., of the Third Order Regular of Saint Francis, Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, died on Tuesday, April 5, 2022.

Father Joe, as he was known, was born October 22, 1936, in Cleveland, OH. The son of William Joseph and Stella Eva (Polisky) Markalonis.

He attended St. Jerome School until the 6th grade, when his family moved to a farm near his paternal grandparents in Pennsylvania. There he developed a love of animals, in particular horses. He was a member of 4H, helped work the farm, played basketball and graduated from Sykesville High School. His class of 40 produced two priests and a minister. He attended Penn State DuBois, before transferring and earning a BS in Animal Science from Penn State University Park. He was accepted into the Penn State school of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation while working as the Cambria County Agent he was introduced to the T.O.R. community of priests in Loretto, PA. He changed course by entering the Third Order Regular as a postulant in September of 1959. While there he went on to earn a Bachelor of Philosophy at St. Francis Seminary in Loretto. Following his initial Franciscan formation, he professed Solemn Vows in July of 1964. He earned a Master of Theology from St. Francis Seminary. Later, Fr. Joe earned a Master's Degree in Christian Spirituality from Creighton University in Omaha, NE, the Certificate of Human Development Program Award given by Sangre De Cristo Center, College of Santa Fe, NM; and the Spiritual Director and Retreat Director Award given by St. Francis Center, Franciscan Internship Program in Cincinnati, OH.

Fr. Joe was Ordained to the Priesthood at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Altoona May 19, 1966. Fr. Joe's first Mass was celebrated at his home parish, St. Joseph's church in Dubois, Pennsylvania.

Following his Ordination, Fr. Joe served on the faculty of Bishop Egan High School in Fairless Hills, PA, and at Saint Francis Prep in Spring Grove, PA. In preparation for the Foreign Missions in Brazil, he attended the Maryknoll Language Institute where he became proficient in Portuguese. This was essential for communication, as well as the translation of writings from English to Portuguese while working in the Novitiate. From 1969 until 2005 he served in various capacities as Director of Novices for Foreign Missions and the Formation Coordinator of Brazil Missions in Sao Paulo, Brazil. In the Amazon his parish ministry would involve traveling by boat, motorcycle, horse, bicycle, or on foot to as many as 17 missions. Fr. Joe also represented the Franciscan Family of Brazil as national minister of the 10,000 member Brazilian Secular Franciscan Order. Fr. Joe maintained a love and concern for Brazil and its people throughout his life.

Upon his return to the states from Brazil Fr. Joe served in various ministries. He was the Retreat Minister at Queen of Peace Friary, Chaplain at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA, and served the Franciscan Sisters of Whitehall, Millvale Franciscan Sisters and Sisters of St. Joseph of Baden. For a period he served as Friar in Residence with the Novices at Mt. Assisi, Loretto.

Fr. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, brother John and nephew Michael. He is survived by his sister Mary Ann (Bill) Millar, brother Vincent Markalonis, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and his Franciscan community.

Following the Mass of Christian Burial Fr. Joe was interred at the Franciscan Friars' Cemetery on the campus of Saint Francis University, Loretto, PA. The mass may be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46PdH6vQEvA . A memorial service will be held for Fr. Joe in July of 2022.