WIETHORN Fr. WILLIAM, OFM CAP Died on Wednesday, October 8, 2014, at Family Hospice, Canterbury Place in Pittsburgh, after a brief battle with cancer. He was 74. Father Bill was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mary (Schubart) Wiethorn; and his brother, George E. Wiethorn. He leaves to mourn his passing, a brother, Phillip Wiethorn and his wife, Martha, of Bethesda, MD; a sister, Sister Carolyn Wiethorn, CSJ of Baden, PA; a sister-in-law, Elaine Wiethorn of Pittsburgh; nephews, Michael (Linda), Raymond, Patrick (Kelly), John; niece, Mary; and many grandnieces and grandnephews. William was born on June 30, 1940, and was baptized at St. Paul Cathedral in Oakland; he attended the St. Bernard Parish grade school. His first year of high school was at St. Mary of the Mount and he transferred to St. Fidelis High School Seminary at the beginning of tenth grade. His studies continued at St. Fidelis until he entered the Capuchin novitiate in 1960. On July 14, 1961, he professed his first vows. After completing his philosophy studies in Herman, he studied theology at Capuchin College in Washington, D.C., and was ordained to the priesthood on October 22, 1966. Father Bill loved being a Capuchin friar, and he devoted to inviting young men to become friars. His first assignment in Annapolis, MD, and subsequent assignments in Pittsburgh and Herman were focused on recruiting for the seminary in Herman. In 1974, he was appointed the director of novices at St. Conrad Friary in Annapolis. Three years later, he was elected to the provincial leadership council and named principal of St. Fidelis High School. He was elected Vicar Provincial in 1980 and served for six years. In 1987, he was named pastor of St. Cecilia Parish in Rochester, PA. Father Bill was elected Provincial Minister in 1992. However, after two years, he was elected to the Capuchin's General Council. He resided in Rome and served six years as the English speaking councilor for the world-wide community of Capuchin friars. He loved visiting the friars and was edified by the heroic lives of friars in troubled areas of the world. He was untroubled by the extensive traveling his post demanded, always attending to the friars with his wonderful smile and fraternal encouragement. In 2000, he returned to the United States and lived at Capuchin College. He studied Spanish in Guatemala and directed the international studies program in Washington. He also directed the local Capuchin Volunteer Corps. Father Bill was named guardian and director of formation at Capuchin College in 2004. In 2005, he became the first director of novices for the North American and Australian Capuchin Conference. Father Bill was named administrator of the Shrine of the Conversion of St. Paul in Cleveland, OH, in 2008, and was assigned to direct the multi-state Capuchin Volunteer Corps. In 2010, Cleveland Bishop Richard Lennon appointed Father Bill as the Episcopal Delegate for Religious in the Diocese of Cleveland. He held this post until his passing. Father Bill will be remembered for his great capacity for making friends, he was always ready to help with heart-felt compassion. He was a people-person who maintained connections with people throughout the years and befriended more even to the last weeks and months of his life. Memorial donations may be made to the Fr. Bill Wiethorn Scholarship Fund, c/o Capuchin Franciscan Friars, 220 37th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201. Condolences may be sent to Sr. Carolyn Wiethorn, CSL, Conway Towers, 904 3rd Avenue, Conway, PA 15027. Viewing and visitation will take place at Our Lady of the Angels Parish, St. Augustine Church, 225 37th St., Pittsburgh, PA 15201, on Saturday, October 11, 2014, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, October 12, 2014, from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. A Wake Service will be held Sunday at 8 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of the Angels Parish, St. Augustine Church, at 10 a.m. on Monday. Interment will immediately follow in the Friars' plot of St. Augustine Cemetery. Professional services by D'ALESSANDRO FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, LTD., Lawrenceville Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb
