Fr. Bernard Colussy, OFM

Father Bernard Colussy, OFM, the long-time pastor of Our Lady of the Rosary Roman Catholic Church in Waubeka, Wisconsin, passed away early in the morning on July 24, 2024.

He was born on December 25, 1939, in Bridgeville, Pennsylvania and had a great devotion to the Catholic Faith. After graduating from high school, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in chemistry at Allegheny College (Class of 1961) and then joined the Army National Guard. His service included six months of active duty (boot camp) and five and a half years of active reserve time.

Before the age of thirty, he started his own wholesale business that covered four states. This business was quite successful for fourteen years.

In 1981, a priest who offered the Latin Mass gave him a copy of The Seraph magazine. In turn, he contacted the editor, the late Bishop Louis Vezelis, OFM, and after meeting with him, he was given the chance to become a Franciscan priest.

Father Bernard was admitted to the Franciscan Order on August 15, 1981, and made his Solemn Vows on August 16, 1985.

He was ordained a Roman Catholic priest on June 29, 1984.

Visitation will be held at Our Lady of the Rosary Roman Catholic Church, W4088 Memorial Drive, Waubeka, WI, on Saturday, July 27 from 10:30 AM – 12 Noon. Rosary at 12 Noon. Requiem Mass at 12:30 PM.

Visitation will also take place at St. Joseph Mission Church, 2760 Beaver Rd., Union, KY, 41091 on Wednesday, July 31 from 1 – 2:30 PM. Rosary at 2:30 PM. Requiem Mass at 3 PM. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Mission Cemetery.