Fr. Coleman J Studeny OFM, Cap.

Fr. Colman Studeny, OFM Cap., died on Friday, 18 October 2024, at St. Augustine Friary, Pittsburgh, PA. He was 90. Born to Leo and Germaine (Koehler) Studeny on September 28, 1934, he was given the name James at his baptism at Resurrection Parish in Pittsburgh. He attended the parish school. In 1948 James entered St. Fidelis High School Seminary in Herman, PA. He was invested with the Capuchin habit in 1955 and given the name Colman. He professed his first vows on July 14, 1956. Fr. Colman was ordained to the priesthood on June 3, 1961, at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. Immediately after completing theological studies Fr. Colman prepared for his assignment to the missions and in 1963 was sent to the Southern Highlands of Papua New Guinea, where he faithfully served for 58 years. Fr. Colman's first pastoral assignment was to serve the people of Upper Mendi at the parish in Ekari, along with its many substations and outposts, covering a vast and rugged area. Except for two years when he was assigned to Ialibu for one year and another year in Lower Mendi, Fr. Colman was the pastor in Upper Mendi until 2011. He was also a trusted and efficient administrator in the Diocese of Mendi. First tapped as chancellor and business manager by Bishop Firmin Schmidt, Fr. Colman continued his service during Bishop Stephen Reichert's term in Mendi. He also served simultaneously as Vicar General of the diocese for many years. In 2011 Fr. Colman was assigned to Padre Pio Friary in Madang to assist with the education and training of Capuchin candidates. His long-time interest in Catholic apologetics made him a perfect teacher of the Catholic faith to young men interested in becoming Capuchin friars. He remained in Madang until health concerns compelled his return to the United States and St. Augustine Friary in Pittsburgh. Fr. Colman was preceded in death by his parents; his step-father, Francis A. Roney; his brother, Leo Jr.; and two sisters, Patricia Roney Wettach and Mary Roney Warbaneth. He will be greatly missed by his surviving family members who fondly remember his home visits from Papua New Guinea as the "highlight of their lives." Fr. Colman was a happy Capuchin friar and priest. Always faithful to prayer, he never allowed his work, administrative duties or hobbies to excuse him from prayer. His missionary life on "the other side of the world" did not stop Fr. Colman from keeping up with the Pirates and Steelers of his hometown Pittsburgh. From his days in formation he always figured out a way to learn the latest sports scores. His keen attention to sports earned him the nickname "Babe." While his administrative skills impressed bishops and superiors, his golf game kept them humble. He was a fierce but friendly competitor. His memory was legendary, ever able to recall details and statistics. Fr. Colman was a practical man who understood the importance of record keeping and statistics. He was part of the weather reporting system in Papua New Guinea and faithfully kept daily records of climatic conditions in the Southern Highlands. He loved the people of Papua New Guinea and was devoted to their spiritual and material well-being. In 2013 Queen Elizabeth II honored him with the Order of the British Empire Award for his service to the nation and British Commonwealth. Fr. Colman was humble and a good natured man. His ready smile and generous spirit put friends and strangers at ease. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, from 5pm - 7pm, and on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at 9AM, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00AM in the St. Margaret of Cortona Chapel, St. Augustine Friary, 221 36th Street, Pittsburgh, PA. Interment will immediately follow at St. Augustine Cemetery, Friars' Plot, Pittsburgh, PA. Professional services are provided by D'Alessandro Funeral Home & Crematory Ltd., Lawrenceville. Memorial donations may be made to the Capuchin Friars of the Province of St. Augustine (220 37th Street, Pittsburgh PA 15201). www.dalessandroltd.com.

Fr. Coleman J Studeny OFM, Cap.

September 28, 1934 - October 19, 2024