Fr. Michael Greb, OFM Cap.

Fr. Michael Greb, OFM Cap., died on Thursday, October 26, 2023, at UPMC Shadyside Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA. He was 65. One of seven children, Michael was born to Ralph and Dorothy (Koeper) Greb on August 8, 1958, in Pittsburgh. He attended St. Anne parish elementary school and Keystone Oaks High School. Michael began seminary studies for the Diocese of Pittsburgh at Duquesne University for his undergraduate degree. He transferred to Pontifical College Josephinum in Worthington, OH, for two years of theological studies. In 1982 Michael pursued his vocation to become a Capuchin friar. He was accepted as a postulant and was subsequently invested with the Capuchin habit. He professed temporary vows in 1985 and during the next four years made perpetual profession, attained his Master's degree in theology at the Catholic University of America, and was ordained a deacon. He was ordained to the priesthood on July 22, 1989. Fr. Michael's first priestly assignment was at Our Lady of Peace Parish in Conway, PA. Fr. Mike was named vocation director for the Capuchins in 1995, a position he held for two years. From 1997 to 2003 Fr. Mike ministered in three different parishes in the Diocese of Pittsburgh: St. Wendelin Parish in Butler County, St. Clare of Assisi Parish in Clairton, and St. Joseph Parish in Cabot. In 2003 Fr. Mike moved to Wheeling, WV, to serve as associate director of Paul VI Pastoral Center. From 2007 to 2008 he served on the North American Capuchin novitiate staff in Burlington, WI. Fr. Mike was pastor of St. Cecelia Parish in Rochester, PA, and St. Felix Parish in Freedom, PA, from 2008 to 2010, when he was transferred to Our Lady of the Angels Parish in Pittsburgh to serve as parochial vicar and chaplain at West Penn Hospital for three years. In 2013 he was named chaplain of McGuire Memorial in New Brighton, PA. and remained in this assignment for ten years. With deteriorating health, Fr. Mike was transferred to St. Augustine Friary in May 2023 for medical attention and care. Fr. Mike was a Pittsburgher at heart and an avid fan of its sports teams. His favorite teams were the Pirates, Steelers or Penguins, depending on who was playing at the moment. He loved his ministry at McGuire Memorial and had great affection for the disabled and the people who served them. Fr. Mike often remarked it was his favorite assignment. He was an energetic preacher and eagerly shared the Catholic faith with others. He was a devout Capuchin friar and zealous priest. Fr. Mike made several spiritual pilgrimages abroad and served as spiritual mentor for many men and women, young and old. Even as he endured numerous medical challenges, Fr. Mike remained characteristically joyful and faithful. He made friends generously and easily; he enjoyed conversation, avoiding personal criticism and negativity while stating his views without reluctance. Fr. Mike was a man of conviction. Fr. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, and leaves to mourn three brothers and three sisters: James (Karen), Mary Ann Lecci (Donald), Paul (Susan), Edward (Susan), Elizabeth Sandhagen (Harrold), and Jennifer, and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be on Monday, 30 October 2023, from 7PM to 8PM, followed by a Wake Service in St. Margaret of Cortona Chapel, St. Augustine Friary, 221 36th Street, Pittsburgh, PA. Visitation will also be on Tuesday, 31 October 2023, at 9AM, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30AM in St. Augustine Church of Our Lady of the Angels Parish, 37th Street and Bandera, Pittsburgh. Interment will immediately follow at St. Augustine Cemetery, Friars' Plot, Pittsburgh, PA. Professional services are provided by D'Alessandro Funeral Home & Crematory Ltd., (Pittsburgh). Memorial donations may be made to the Capuchin Friars of the Province of St. Augustine (220 37th Street, Pittsburgh PA 15201).

Fr. Michael Greb, OFM Cap.

August 8, 1958 - October 26, 2023