The Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown is mourning the passing of a Senior Priest.
Reverend John P. Ellias passed on October 18, 2022, at UPMC Altoona. Formerly of Everett, he resided at Garvey Manor Nursing Home in Hollidaysburg.Â
Father Ellias was born on June 26, 1931, in Johnstown, the son of John A. and Anne M. (Washko) Ellias. His parents preceded him in death.
He attended Holy Name Grade School in Ebensburg and Ebensburg-Cambria High School. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force. He graduated in from Saint Vincent College in Latrobe with a BA Degree then enrolled at Saint Vincent Seminary and was ordained a priest on May 23, 1964.
He was assigned as a Parochial Vicar at several parishes throughout the diocese in his early years as a priest. He served as Pastor at Saint John Evangelist Parish in Everett from 1970 to 1980, Immaculate Conception Parish in Johnstown from 1980 to 1995, and Saint Michael Parish in St. Michael from 1995 to 1999. Father Ellias retired in 1999 to Everett.
Friends will be received on Monday, October 24 at the narthex of Holy Name Parish in Ebensburg from 9:30 a.m. until his funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. The Most Reverend Mark L. Bartchak, Bishop of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, will be the celebrant, and priests from the diocese will concelebrate. Internment will be at Holy Name Cemetery in Ebensburg. Funeral arrangements by the Matevish and Matevish Funeral Home in Ebensburg.
