Reverend Joseph Markalonis, T.O.R., 85, a member of the Third Order Regular of Saint Francis, Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, died on Tuesday, April 5, 2022, at Presbyterian Village in Hollidaysburg.
Born on October 22, 1936, Cleveland, OH, the son of the Vincent J. and Stella E. (Polisky) Markalonis. After graduating from Sykesville-Henderson Joint High School in Sykesville, PA, he attended the Pennsylvania State University in Dubois then to University Park in State College, PA. Fr. Joseph entered the Third Order Regular as a postulant in September of 1959 in Loretto, PA. He began his novitiate year on June 30, 1960. He professed first vows on July 1, 1961, and at the end of his initial Franciscan formation, he professed Solemn Vows on July 1, 1964. On May 19, 1966, Fr. Joseph was Ordained to the Priesthood at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Altoona, PA.
Following his Ordination, Fr. Joseph served on the faculty of Bishop Egan High School, Fairless Hills, PA and at Saint Francis Prep in Spring Grove, PA. Fr. Joseph then ministered in Foreign Missions in Amazonas, Brazil from 1969 until 2005 serving in various capacities as Director of Novices for Foreign Missions and Formation Coordinator of Brazil Missions in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Fr. Joseph also served as Chaplain for the Franciscan Sisters in Pittsburgh, PA, and Retreat Minister at Queen of Peace Friary in Pittsburgh, PA. He also served as Director of Novices from 1977 to 1980 and served in parish ministry.
Fr. Joseph earned a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA; earned a Bachelor of Philosophy sat St. Francis Seminary, Loretto, PA; Master of Theology at St. Francis Seminary, Loretto, PA in 1965; and a master’s degree in Christian Spirituality from Creighton University in Omaha, NE. Fr. Joseph received the Certificate of Human Development Program Award given by Sangre De Cristo Center, College of Santa Fe, NM; and the Spiritual Director and Retreat Director Award given by St. Francis Center, Franciscan Internship Program in Cincinnati, OH.
Fr. Joseph is preceded in death by his parents, his brother John. Survived by his sister, Mary Ann Millar, brother, Vincent Markalonis, as well as his Franciscan Community.
Friends will be received at the Chapel of St. Francis Friary at Mt. Assisi, Loretto, PA on Friday, April 8, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. until the Vigil Service to be celebrated at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be concelebrated on Saturday, April 9, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis Friary at Mt. Assisi, Loretto, PA with Very Reverend Joseph J. Lehman, Minister Provincial as principal celebrant. Following the Mass, interment will take place at the Franciscan Friars’ Cemetery, on the campus of Saint Francis University, Loretto, PA 15940. Arrangements by Gibbons Funeral Home, 301 Church Street, Gallitzin, PA 16641.
