Fr. Jerome J. Dunn, OFM Cap.

FATHER JEROME DUNN, O.F.M. Cap. Father Jerome Dunn, OFM Cap., died peacefully just before sunrise on Saturday, September 17th, at St. Augustine Friary, Pittsburgh. He was 88 years of age when he answered the final call of God who was his strength and his peace. Father Jerome was born on August 3, 1934 in Turton, SD, the third of ten children born to his father, John, and mother Julia (Klapperich). Raised to share the hard work of running the family farm, young Jerome was educated in the public schools of Turton. Upon his high school graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, proudly serving four years on active duty and another four in the Naval Reserve before receiving his honorable discharge in 1960. Upon his release from active duty he joined his family in California, where his parents had moved during his Navy years, and was employed as a metalworker in Vernon, CA from 1956 until his admission to St. Fidelis College Seminary in 1960. After completing his second year of studies at St. Fidelis, Jerome entered the Capuchin Novitiate at St. Conrad Friary in Annapolis, MD., where he received the religious name Bruce upon his investiture and by which he was known for the following six years until the friars of the Province were permitted to reclaim their baptismal names in 1968. Following his profession of vows on July 14, 1963, Frater Jerome returned to complete his college degree at St. Fidelis and went on to Capuchin College in Washington, DC for theological studies. He was ordained to priesthood in Salina, KS on October 19, 1968 by Most Reverend Cyril J. Vogel, Bishop of Salina. Father Jerome's generous attitude kept him moving during his years of ordained ministry, serving for briefer periods in Victoria KS, Rochester PA, Wheeling WV, Mineral City OH, and more extended periods in Cumberland MD. He kept busy! One comment from a fraternal visitation noted that "for a friar in pastoral supply, Jerry does a lot!" Much of it was through his own initiative, such as developing a successful run of family enrichment ministry in several locations. By far, though, the majority of his time in active ministry was spent at St. Augustine Friary in Pittsburgh, fulfilling a variety of needs for sacramental ministry and chaplaincy for the Province and the Diocese from 1972 through 1991. For more than twelve years he served the Order of Franciscan Seculars in Ohio, Maryland and Pennsylvania. Father Jerome was a deeply spiritual man, possessed of a compassionate and kindly heart. Testimonies of his caring and at times surprisingly tender concern, and of small and often unexpected kindnesses for those who were fearful, suffering or disheartened are sown throughout his time in active ministry. For those who did not know him, or did not know him well, this may have been difficult to see: his direct manner, austere appearance, strong, gravelly voice and lack of guile could truly be challenging. The contrast between his appearance and his genuine pastoral concern for others at times caused him to be misunderstood or misjudged, but he always resolved such occurrences with equanimity and respect for all concerned. He was a Capuchin straight through and he took his vows in earnest. His habit was his only clothing, worn all day long, every day from his rising to his bedtime. His long, traditional Capuchin beard was present well before it became popular with the hipster generation. He wore his sandals year 'round until the arthritis that tormented him in his later years forced him to wear more forgiving footgear. Most of all, he was ever faithful to prayer, both in common with the friars and in private, making every effort to be present in the chapel at the prescribed times even when it became more and more difficult to do so because of his physical limitations. He was personally accustomed to pain and suffering, having been diagnosed with severe degenerative arthritis in the 1990s, yet he was determined to maintain active ministry long as possible until it became obvious that he could no longer accept the strain of regular assignments in the province. He returned once again to St. Augustine Friary in Pittsburgh in 2010, and what would prove to be the final chapter of his life. His last years were largely spent managing his pain and receiving what palliative care was available. He tried to make good use of his computer, which suffered regular breakdowns from mysterious infusions of peanut butter in its keyboard. Above all, though, he found his best comfort in offering his limitations and struggles to the crucified Christ. Father Jerome is preceded in death by his parents, John W. and Julia, and his brothers William and Jack, and sisters Margaret (Peggy) Darling, Marianne Hedglen and Marjorie (Margie) Lang. He is survived by brothers James and Joseph; sisters Patricia Troske and Julie Hehir, and numerous nieces and nephews. The friars of St. Augustine friary will receive Fr. Jerome's body on Friday afternoon, September 23rd, in the friary Chapel of St. Margaret of Cortona. Viewing will be held beginning at 7:00 P.M., with a Vigil Service being celebrated at 8:00 P.M. The funeral Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Bob Marva, Provincial Minister, at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, September 24th in St. Margaret of Cortona Chapel. Burial will follow immediately in the friars' plot at St. Augustine Cemetery, Shaler Township. Contributions in Fr. Jerome's memory may be made to the Capuchin Province of St. Augustine, 220 37th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201. Professional services trusted to D'ALESSANDRO FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY LTD., Lawrenceville. www.dalessandroltd.com.

Fr. Jerome J. Dunn, OFM Cap.

August 3, 1934 - September 17, 2022