Obituary of Fr. Vincent Negherbon

NEGHERBON - Father Vincent RTOR, 87, St. Francis Friary, Loretto, died Feb. 20, 2008, at ARHS Altoona Hospital Campus after a lengthy illness. Born Oct. 9, 1920, in Shamokin, the son of the late Jacob and Julia (Sandri) Negherbon. Preceded in death by brothers, John, Henry and Albert, and sister, Catherine Yost. Survived by several nieces and nephews and his Franciscan fraternity, the Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus of the Third Order Regular of Saint Francis. Father received his early education at McKinley Public School and St. Joseph Grade School, and graduated from St. Edward High School in Shamokin. He earned his bachelor's degree from St. Francis University in 1943, pursued theological studies at St. Francis Seminary in Loretto, and at the Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. He also earned a bachelor's degree in library science from Catholic University and a master's degree in library science from Duquesne University. He received an honorary doctorate of education from St. Vincent College in Latrobe in 1970. Father entered the Franciscan community in Loretto as a postulant in 1938, and became a novice in Washington in 1939. He professed his first vows in 1940, and his final vows in 1943 at Mount Assisi Friary in Loretto. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1946 by the late Bishop John McNamara at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. After serving as librarian of St. Francis Prep School in Spring Grove, Father became librarian of St. Francis University, a post he held from 1947 to 1962, and taught library science to freshmen students. He also served as dean of student activities for five years, academic dean for one year and as executive vice president for four years. From 1966 to 1972 Father was president of what was then St. Francis College. Following his term as president he was named vice president for college relations, a post he held until 1987, when he began to assist with pastoral duties at St. John Gualbert Cathedral in Johnstown. In addition to his 40 years of service at St. Francis University, Father served his Franciscan community as the local minister of St. Francis Friary on the campus for six years, as provincial secretary for three years and as a member of the Provincial Council for nine years. In 1980, St. Francis University established a scholarship endowment in the name of Father Vincent. In 2006, he was named president emeritus by the trustees of St. Francis University, and in 2007 he was inducted into the University's Athletics Hall of Fame, when officials recalled his friendship with the late Maurice Stokes. It was during Fathers tenure as president that the university constructed the Stokes Athletics Center. An avid fan of Saint Francis athletics, particularly the mens and womens basketball teams, he rarely missed attending home games. Father was especially known for his quick wit, good humor and friendly banter. He also was quick at promising prayers for those in need. He enjoyed meeting people of all ages and sharing meals with friends and colleagues. Friends will be received from 2 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception on the campus of St. Francis University. A vigil service will be held at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Immaculate Conception Chapel, with the Very Rev. Christian R. Oravec, TOR, minister provincial of the Sacred Heart Province and chairman of the Board of Trustees of St. Francis University, presiding as principal celebrant. Committal, Franciscan Friars Cemetery on the campus of St. Francis University. Arrangements by Gibbons Funeral Home, 301 Church St. Gallitzin.