It is with great sadness that we share that our brother Adam Szufel, OFM, 92, of St. Anthony Friary in St. Petersburg, Fl. embraced Sister Death Saturday afternoon (Sept. 5).

Adam was a dedicated friar who was loving, kind, peaceful, and deeply generous to the poor. For many years, he served as a chaplain in the U.S. Air Force. During his time at Archbishop Ryan High School in Philadelphia in the late 1960s, he inspired countless students to deepen their faith. Whether ministering to high school students or men and women serving in the Air Force, Adam shared the Gospel with love and courage throughout his life. With that same courage and humility, he faced his final days with joy and trust in God's presence as he battled esophageal cancer.

I had the graced opportunity to speak with Adam the day before his passing. He wanted to let me know he was praying for the Council and for all the friars of the province. With his dry sense of humor, he expressed his deepest gratitude for the care received from the guardian and other brothers in his local fraternity.

Adam made simple vows Aug. 15, 1956; professed solemn vows Aug. 15, 1959; and was ordained a priest on June 13, 1964.

Friends may gather at Marnocha Funeral Home,186 E. Pulaski St., Pulaski, on Tuesday, September 22, from 10:15a.m. until a recitation of the Rosary at 10:45 a.m. Interment will be in Provincial Cemetery, Pulaski, at 11:00 a.m.

Let us keep Adam and his family in our prayers, and may he, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Adam’s funeral arrangements will be forthcoming.