Fr. Bradower dies at St. Francis Friary

Fr. Theodore Bradower died Feb. 5, 2009 at the St. Francis Friary in Loretto, Pa.

Fr. Ted was born October 24, 1922 in Akron, Ohio, son of the late John and Anna (Wolfensberger) Bradower. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Elizabeth Jeanne Diehl and his life friend, Larry Cook.

Fr. Ted is survived by his community of Franciscian Friars and many good friends.

He entered the Franciscian community July 7, 1942. He professed his first vows of poverty, chastity and obedience on July 8, 1943 and made his solemn profession of vows July 8, 1946. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 20, 1950. Fr. Ted graduated from St. Francis University in 1946 and completed his theological studies in 1950. He earned his Ph.D. in Philosophy from the Angelicum University in Rome in 1953, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Carnegie-Mellon University, Pittsburgh, in 1957. Throughout his many years of ministry at educational institutions and parishes, Fr. Ted remained a faithful friar and priest. He was a scholar, always interested in enhancing his own education. He enjoyed preaching, conducting retreats and parish missions and served as a spiritual director to many. He was also an accomplished artist and enjoyed opera and classical music and travel.

Burial has taken place at the Franciscian Friars Cemetery on the campus of St. Francis University. Memorials may be made to St. Francis Friary, The Local Minister, P.O. Box 40, Loretto, PA 15940.
[Beacon Journal, Akron, OH, Sunday, March 8, 2009, page B5, col. 6]