Fr. Robert L. McCreary, OFM Cap., died at St. Augustine Friary in Pittsburgh on Wednesday, 26 April 2023. He was 89.
Born on 23 November 1933 to Thomas and Cecelia (Wehrle) McCreary, he was baptized in his home parish of St. John the Baptist in Monaca, PA.
Robert attended public schools until entering St. Vincent Prep High School in Latrobe, PA. He transferred to St. Fidelis College Seminary in Herman, PA, in 1951. Robert entered the Capuchin Order in 1953, was given the name Conan, and professed vows on 14 July 1954. Br. Conan made his perpetual profession in 1957 and was ordained to the priesthood on 6 June 1959. (In the 1960’s he was permitted to return to his baptismal name.)
Fr. Robert earned his Licentiate in Sacred Theology from the Catholic University of America in 1961. He pursued theological studies in Christology and Spiritual Theology at the Gregorian University in Rome and was awarded a Doctorate in Sacred Theology in 1963.
On his return to the Province, he was assigned to the faculty of St. Fidelis Seminary. In 1965 Fr. Robert was transferred to Capuchin College, Washington, DC, as a professor of theology, spiritual director, and eventually as guardian. He also taught at Washington Theological Union until 1974, when he was appointed President of St. Fidelis College Seminary. In 1979 Fr. Robert guided the transfer of the seminary college program in Herman, PA, to Borromeo Seminary in Wickliffe, OH.
Having served on the Provincial Council from 1970, Fr. Robert was elected Provincial Minister in 1980 and led the Province for the next six years.
After a year-long academic sabbatical at Notre Dame University, Fr. Robert was assigned to the novitiate formation team at St. Conrad Friary in Allison Park, PA. In 1989 he was appointed Director of Novices.
In 1998 he returned to Wickliffe, OH, and assisted with the formation of seminarians. In 2002 he was appointed to the faculty of St. Mary Seminary in Wickliffe, OH, as an adjunct professor.
Fr. Robert was transferred in 2010 to Capuchin College in Washington, DC, where he served on the formation staff. He remained at Capuchin College until his need for medical care required moving to St. Augustine Friary in Pittsburgh, PA, in 2020.
Fr. Robert was a much-sought preacher and teacher. In addition to his assigned teaching posts, he also taught at Carlow College in Pittsburgh, St. Teresa College in Winona, MN, Augustinian College in Washington, DC, the seminary in Papua New Guinea, and the Poor Clare Sisters in South Africa, among others.
He was a spiritual director to many, a popular retreat director, chaplain for Teams of Our Lady, and spiritual assistant to several communities of Secular Franciscans.
He was a member of the American Catholic Theological Society and the College Theology Society. Fr. Robert’s studies in Rome focused on St. Lawrence of Brindisi. He penned several academic papers on St. Lawrence’s Christology, which were published in Laurentianum. At Notre Dame University he studied St. Bonaventure’s mystical theology.
He attended Capuchin General Chapters in 1968, 1974 and 1976. He was a member of the International Committee on the Capuchin Constitutions and the English editor of the 1974 Analysis of the Capuchin Order.
Fr. Robert’s love for the Church, the Catholic faith and Capuchin life were manifestations of his great love for Christ. He was beloved and admired by many and inspired them to follow our Lord.
He always found ways to compliment others. He admired Capuchin missionaries, especially those who served in Papua New Guinea. Fr. Bob had a special care for women religious, many of whom found guidance and support in him. He also loved to engage young people.
An intellectual and spiritual giant, Fr. Bob was humble and unpretentious.
Fr. Bob’s family was a great source of strength and affection. He loved his family, and they were devoted to him to the end.
Fr. Robert was proceeded in death by his parents; his brother Thomas and wife Patricia (Black); his sister Nancy and husband Ted McLain; and his sister Suzanne and husband Bud Cooley. He leaves to mourn numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and his Capuchin brothers.
Funeral arrangements will be published in a separate release.
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