Fr. Brian Newman, OFM Cap.

Fr. Brian Newman, OFM Cap., died on 30 June 2025, at St. Augustine Friary, Pittsburgh, PA. He recently celebrated his 90th birthday. Born on June 20, 1935, in Charleston, WV, he was the first child of Elmas and Betha (Lynch) Newman. He was baptized at Sacred Heart Church and given the name Robert. Subsequently, a daughter, Patricia Ann, was born to the family. Sadly she died at the age of 12. Robert attended the parish grade school, and in 1949 entered St. Fidelis High School Seminary, Herman, PA. Six years later he was invested with the Capuchin habit and given the name Brian. He made his first profession as a Capuchin friar on July 14, 1956. He completed his philosophy studies in Herman and went on for theological studies at Capuchin College in Washington, DC. Fr. Brian was ordained to the priesthood at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington on June 3, 1961. After he attained his theological degree in 1962 he was assigned to the missions in Papua New Guinea. Fr. Brian's first assignment was to serve as assistant priest at Our Lady of the Angels parish in Erave, where he remained for three years. From his first days in the missions, Fr. Brian penned several letters each year that were copied and sent to numerous friends and benefactors of the Capuchin missionaries. Fr. Brian took a keen and active interest in the Papua New Guinea Amateur Athletic Union, serving as president for two terms and secretary-treasurer for one term. He declined an invitation to represent PNG at an AAU event in the United Kingdom, remarking that it would take him away from his mission work. In 1966 he joined the faculty of the newly founded St. Fidelis College in Madang. Fr. Brian was named Rector of the seminary in 1976. Seven years later he became the Capuchin novice master in Pangia in the Southern Highlands. Fr. Brian's ministry in Papua New Guinea was almost entirely devoted to the training of Capuchin friars and priests. After a stint as novice master, he became the director of postulants in Ialibu for four years, followed by eight years at the post-novitiate formation program in Port Moresby. In 2006 he returned to St. Fidelis Seminary in Madang as a teacher and spiritual director. He completed his missionary work at Padre Pio Friary in Madang to again work with candidates for Capuchin life. In May 2013 he returned to the United States and was assigned to Capuchin College in Washington, DC. Fr. Brian was confessor at the National Shrine and for many religious Sisters in the DC area. In 2019 he moved to St. Augustine Friary in Pittsburgh to receive more intensive medical attention and care. But even when mobility became more challenging, Fr. Brian was always eager to help when needed, particularly for confessions. In Papua New Guinea he gave many retreats and recollection days, particularly to communities of Sisters. Fr. Brian also fostered the growth of many communities of Secular Franciscans. For his own spiritual enrichment he attended numerous Franciscan and spirituality courses throughout the years. Fr. Brian was a faithful Capuchin friar, a zealous priest and good friend to many. He loved to talk about his missionary years in Papua New Guinea, his love for the Church and the Catholic faith. He made friends easily and sought to maintain contact for the long term. Fr. Brian was prayerful and devout. His immediate family pre-deceased Fr. Brian, but extended family and friends remained steadfast companions throughout his life. Numerous cousins mourn his passing, as do his many friends and Capuchin brothers. Visitation and viewing will be at St. Margaret of Cortona Chapel in St. Augustine Friary, 221 36th Street, Pittsburgh (Lawrenceville) 15201 on Sunday, July 6 at 7PM, followed by the Wake Service at 7:30PM. Also in the friary chapel, viewing on Monday, July 7 at 9:30AM, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10AM. Interment follows at St. Augustine Cemetery. Professional services are provided by D'Alessandro Funeral Home & Crematory Ltd. Memorial donations may be made to the Capuchin Friars, 220 37th Street, Pittsburgh, PA, or at capuchin.com.

Fr. Brian Newman, OFM Cap.

June 20, 1935 - June 30, 2025