Richard Thomas Guilfoyle

Richard Thomas Guilfoyle (December 22, 1892 – June 10, 1957) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church who served as the third bishop of the Diocese of Altoona, Pennsylvania from 1936 to 1957.


Richard Thomas Guilfoyle
Bishop of Altoona
SeeDiocese of Altoona
In office1936-57
PredecessorJohn Joseph McCort
SuccessorHoward Joseph Carroll
Orders
OrdinationJune 2, 1917
by Dennis Joseph Dougherty
ConsecrationNovember 30, 1937
by John Mark Gannon
Personal details
Born(1892-12-22)December 22, 1892
DiedJune 10, 1957(1957-06-10) (aged 64)
Altoona, Pennsylvania, US
DenominationRoman Catholic
EducationSt. Bonaventure College

Biography

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Early life

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Richard Guilfoyle was born near Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, on December 22. 1892.[1] At age 15, he started working in a coal mine.[2] After deciding to enter the priesthood, he studied at St. Bonaventure College in St. Bonaventure, New York.

Guilfoyle was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Erie by then Bishop Dennis Joseph Dougherty on June 2, 1917.[1] He then served as a curate at St. Stephen Parish in Oil City until 1921, when he became secretary to then Bishop John Gannon. Guilfoyle also served as pastor of St. Peter's Cathedral in Erie and chancellor of the diocese.[2][3]

Bishop of Altoona

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On August 8, 1936, Guilfoyle was appointed bishop of the Diocese of Altoona by Pope Pius XI. He received his episcopal consecration on November 30, 1936, from Archbishop Gannon, assisted by Archbishop Thomas Walsh and Bishop Francis Tief.[1][2]

Guilfoyle died of a heart attack in Altoona on June 10, 1957, at age 64.[1][2] Bishop Guilfoyle High School in Altoona is named after him.[4]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d "Bishop Richard Thomas Guilfoyle [Catholic-Hierarchy]". www.catholic-hierarchy.org. Retrieved 2022-11-25.
  2. ^ a b c d "RICHARD GUILFOYLE, BISHOP OF ALTOONA". The New York Times. 1957-06-12. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2022-11-25.
  3. ^ "The Catholic Standard and Times 14 June 1957 — Catholic Research Resources Alliance". thecatholicnewsarchive.org. Retrieved 2022-11-25.
  4. ^ "Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School - Our History". www.bishopguilfoyle.org. Retrieved 2022-11-25.
Catholic Church titles
Preceded by Bishop of Altoona
1936–1957
Succeeded by