Seginak

Father Theodore J. Seginak, O.S.B., 87, formerly of Holy Trinity Monastery, died Saturday evening at Butler Memorial Hospital.

He was born March 5, 1921, in Gary, Ind. At an early age, his family moved to Nesquehoning, Carbon County.

Father Theodore joined the St. Procopius Abbey in Lisle, Ill., June 16, 1944, when he professed his first vows as a Benedictine. He was ordained to the Holy Priesthood May 8, 1949.

He retired as pastor of SS. Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church in Punxsutawney and had served at St. John Byzantine Catholic Church in Northern Cambria, in Liberty Township, Ohio, in Herminie and for two years on Sundays at a church in Nanty Glo, Cambria County.

He had been elected the first superior of the independent Monastery of the Holy Trinity in September 1959, a position he held until August 1972. He also had served as a missionary, pastor and administrator in many churches throughout the United States and retired to the monastery.

After major heart surgery, Father Seginak became a resident of the Chicora Medical Center, where he was the honorary chaplain and president of the Residents Association. While there, he became a friend to all the staff, residents and visitors.

A personable and well known priest in the area, Father Theodore was known as the rhyming priest and poet. "Work and pray, and you'll be with God someday" was one of the quips that punctuated his speech. When he reached the age of 87, "Eighty-seven, closer to heaven" became his favorite.

Surviving are a brother, Emile Seginak and his wife, Leona, of eastern Pennsylvania; a sister-in-law, Irene Seginak; a niece; and two nephews.

<B>SEGINAK </B>— Friends and parishioners of the Rev. Theodore J. Seginak, O.S.B., who died Saturday, Jan. 24, 2009, will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday at St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Church, 105 Kohler Ave., Lyndora. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the church. Metropolitan Archbishop Basil Schott will officiate along with the priests of Holy Trinity Monastery and the Byzantine Catholic Diocese. Interment will be at the Holy Trinity Monastery Cemetery.Parastas services will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday at the church.Arrangements are being handled by the <B>Geibel Funeral Home</B>, and information also is available at www.geibelfuneralhome.com.