Fr. Allan J. Wasiecko OFM, Cap.

Fr. Allan Wasiecko, OFM Cap., died unexpectedly on January 30, 2025, at a residential rehabilitation center in Pittsburgh, PA. He was 82. He was born on October 19, 1942, to Stephen and Helen (Pack) Wasiecko in Pittsburgh (Mt. Oliver). His home parish was St. Joseph Church, and Allan attended the parish elementary school. He entered St. Fidelis High School Seminary in Herman, PA, in 1955. Heeding a vocational call to the Capuchin Order, Allan was invested as a novice in 1962, making his first profession on July 14, 1963. He returned to Herman to earn an undergraduate degree in philosophy. He continued with theological studies at Capuchin College in Washington, DC. Fr. Allan was ordained to the priesthood on his birthday, October 19, 1968. He requested and received assignment to the missions in Papua New Guinea, arriving in Mendi of the Southern Highlands in 1969. Shortly after mission orientation he was appointed assistant parish priest in Pangia. In 1977 he was transferred to nearby Ialibu, first serving as assistant and eventually as pastor of Our Lady of the Angels Parish, where he remained for 13 years. Fr. Allan was known for his pastoral care, patiently and compassionately serving parishioners and non-Catholics alike. People loved his gentle spirit. He was a gifted and favored preacher. Fr. Allan had a way of conveying the Gospel message in ways that were simple and impactful for both newcomers to the faith and theologically astute life-long Catholics. While serving as pastor, Fr. Allan also was designated to direct and train young men to become Capuchin friars. He loved St. Francis of Assisi and followed in his footsteps - in his poverty and humility, his gentleness with people and fondness for animals of every sort. To his Capuchin brothers he was an attentive listener and guide. The friars of Papua New Guinea elected Fr. Allan to the Capuchin leadership council in 1984, eventually electing him to serve six years as Vice-Provincial (formerly known as Superior Regular and more recently as Custos). After his service to the friars, he returned to parish work in Pangia. There was one more stint of training future friars when he served as Director of Formation for young Capuchin friars in Madang from 2006 to 2010. When his assignment in formation ended Fr. Allan returned to his treasured Pangia and St. Felix Parish. He loved and was loved by the people of the area. He worked hard and tirelessly as pastor. After 48 years of remarkable service to the people of Papua New Guinea, Fr. Allan was expelled from the nation due to bureaucratic confusion regarding the renewal of his PNG work visa. He was told to "never return." Without rancor but with great disappointment in 2015 he wrote a short account of the event entitled, "How I Became a Criminal." Fr. Allan returned to the United States and St. John the Evangelist Parish in Center City Philadelphia for sacramental ministry. Medical concerns required Fr. Allan to move to St. Augustine Friary in Pittsburgh beginning in 2020. He always hoped to return to the missions, and his heart remained in Papua New Guinea the rest of his life. Fr. Allen was preceded in death by his parents, his only sibling, his sister, Gloria and her husband Francis "Tom" O'Neal. Nieces Karen Hull and Debra Brane, nephews Thomas O'Neal, James O'Neal and Stephen O'Neal, and eight great nephews and nieces mourn Fr. Allan's passing. Visitation and viewing will be at St. Augustine Friary, 221 36th Street, Pittsburgh (Lawrenceville) 15201 on Sunday, February 2 at 7PM, followed by the Wake Service at 7:30PM; viewing on Monday, February 3 at 9:30AM, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10AM. Interment follows at St. Augustine Cemetery. Professional services trusted to D'ALESSANDRO FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY LTD., Lawrenceville. Memorial donations may be made to the Capuchin Friars, 220 37th Street, Pittsburgh, PA, or at capuchin.com. www.dalessandroltd.com.

Fr. Allan J. Wasiecko OFM, Cap.

October 19, 1942 - January 30, 2025