Father Edward Laurent, O.F.M. Cap., 83, passed away Tuesday at Villa de Marillac, Pittsburgh.

Born in Pittsburgh to Herman Joseph and Catherine (Hines) on July 14, 1931, he attended St. Philip and Resurrection Grade School. In 1949, he graduated from South Hills Public High School.

Father Ed is survived by his sisters, Catherine Palmiere and Barbara Bell.

In 1950, he joined the U.S. Army and was assigned to the Army Language School in Monterey, Calif., to study Russian. After his military service in 1953, he studied at Duquesne University.

In 1954, he entered St. Fidelis Seminary in Herman. He professed his first vows as a Capuchin friar in 1958. After attaining his bachelor's degree in philosophy in 1960, he undertook theological studies at Capuchin College in Washington, D.C. Father Ed was ordained to the priesthood Feb. 8, 1964, and was granted a master's degree in theology later that year.

Father Ed was a linguist. In addition to his knowledge of the Russian language, he was proficient in French. He studied the language at Georgetown University, Laval University in Quebec, Catholic University and Middlebury College. He also attended the University of Paris and was awarded the Diplome d'Etudes Secondaires for his studies of French Civilization. He taught French at the seminary for a number of years.

As a professor. he also took an interest in the financial support of the seminary. In 1972, he founded the St. Fidelis Development Office and was its director until 2004. He was devoted to raising the needed resources for the seminary and the Capuchin friars. He loved working with his staff, who he counted among his dear friends. He deeply appreciated the many benefactors who supported the work of the friars.

Until recently, Father was a regular presence for many years at St. Ursula Parish in Pittsburgh. It was a difficult decision for him to discontinue his ministry there due to declining health.

Father Ed will always be remembered for his humor and his commitment to support the education and training of Capuchin friars.

Father was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Laurent— The body of Father Edward Laurent, O.F.M. Cap., who passed away Tuesday, July 15, 2014, will be received Thursday at St. Augustine Friary, 221 36th St., Pittsburgh, with visitation in the chapel from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and a wake at 8 p.m.A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Friday at Our Lady of the Angels Parish, 225 37th St., Pittsburgh. Burial will be in the Friars' Plot of St. Augustine Cemetery.Donations in honor of Father Ed may be made to the Capuchin Friars, 220 37th St., Pittsburgh, PA, 15201.Professional services were entrusted to the D'Alessandro Funeral Home, Lawrenceville.