Most Reverend Nicholas Polichnowski, T.O.R., a member of the Franciscan Friars of the Third Order Regular, Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, was called home to the Lord on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the age of 75.
Father Nicholas was born in Bridgeville, PA, and is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Frances (Martini) Polichnowski. He is survived by his brother, Ronald (Carol) Polichnowski; niece, Stephanie (Cameron) Martin; great nephews Ben and Cody Martin; cousins: Dolores and Paulette Parento, Timothy Park; friends and his Franciscan Community.
Family and friends are invited to a viewing on Monday, October 27, 2025 from    4 p.m.-7 p.m. at Saint Francis Friary at Mount Assisi in Loretto, PA.  A Vigil Prayer Service will be held at 7pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11a.m. on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Saint Francis Friary with the Very Reverend Joseph Lehman, T.O.R., as principal celebrant. Following Mass, interment will take place at the Franciscan Friars’ Cemetery on the campus of Saint Francis University, Loretto.
In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings for the Friars’ Retirement Fund can be made payable to: Franciscan Friars TOR, P.O. Box 500, Loretto, PA 15940. A complete obituary and link to view the funeral services live can be found at franciscanstor.org.  Arrangements are by Gibbons-Houser Funeral Home Inc., 301 Church St., Gallitzin, PA 16641. Online condolences can be made by visiting gibbonsfunerals.com.
