In Remembrance Fr. Francis P. Lihvar, S.J.

Reflection by Fr. Casey Bukala, SJ

Father Francis P. Lihvar, SJ died January 8, 2009 at Malachi Hospice House, Cleveland, Ohio.

Frank and I began teaching at John Carroll University in 1970 where Frank taught Classics and I taught Philosophy. At that time we lived in Rodman Hall with over 40 fellow-Jesuits.

Being a Clevelander, and proud of his Slovak heritage, he stayed close to his immediate family. He spent many weekends with his brother Steve and sometimes cooked a meal. He enjoyed cooking. When we lived in Rodman Hall he would often prepare pizza for the Friday evening "haustus." He prepared many special dinners for his department Christmas party. Many will remember that he also enjoyed making wine from Concord grapes that were grown in Vermillion. He played golf in the summer, and bowling in the winter. And, of course, he kept practicing on the piano. He was encouraged to do so, even though he knew that he would never realize his dream.

Frank expressed a definite quality of charity in his life with us. Frank Bittenz would attest to this. Frank Lihvar in a way "looked out" for Frank Bittenz, taking him to Cleveland Orchestra performances at Severance Hall and to other places of mutual interest. They helped each other to appreciate the music and art that they both enjoyed. They're together now and are perhaps recalling those happy times.

Frank enjoyed being a priest, and celebrated an early Mass daily for the Notre Dame Sisters at Regina High School. Even when in he grew weaker he pushed himself to get up early in the morning to drive to the Sisters to celebrate Mass for them. When he led community-prayers he shared with us the homily he offered the Sisters on that day. He also enjoyed celebrating Mass on special occasions for his family in Schell House. He celebrated a baptism for his family not too many months ago, and celebrated a Mass for them on New Year's even when he was very weak.

Frank was very generous. He did things in and for the community that some might not even be aware of. He bought good bread and rolls for the community and pizza for dinner for the small group who gathered on Saturdays for dinner when we had no cook. Even after he retired he continued with occasional part-time teaching. Up to a short time before he was hospitalized, he was directing two students in a special course in Greek. He was there for them to complete the course. He said they both got "A's."

He spent about a week in Hospice at South Pointe Cancer Center, and then transferred to Malachi House for continued hospice care. He always expressed his gratitude to those who visited him. At the wake his sister, Margaret, told me that she had a dream in which Frank told her that he was very happy. We're sure he is.

We all smile when we think of Frank, our brother-in-Christ. He is now with his parents, family, and all of our departed fellow-Jesuits. Thanks, Frank! Till we meet again.

Biographical Information

Father Lihvar was born on June 28, 1927 in Cleveland, Ohio. He entered the Society of Jesus on August 19, 1948 at the Milford Novitiate in Milford, Ohio and was ordained a priest at Colombiere College, Clarkston, Michigan on June 15, 1961.  He professed final vows at John Carroll University on August 15, 1977.

Father Lihvar taught at the University of Detroit High School from 1955 to 1958 and at the University of Detroit from 1964-1967.  From 1970 2008 he was the professor of Latin and Greek at John Carroll University, University Heights, Ohio.