Submitted by: Dan Rich

Rev. Gregory J. Lombardo, CSC

March 5, 1917 - Sept. 13, 2002

South Bend Tribune 9/15/2002

Reverend Gregory J. Lombardo, CSC 85, died at 6:30 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 13, in Holy Cross House, Notre Dame, Ind., where he had lived the last 10 years. Father Lombardo was born in Lancaster, Pa., on March 5, 1917, to the late Vincenzo and Teresa (Fiorentino) Lombardo. He attended the parish elementary school of St. Anthony in Lancaster where he was taught by the Holy Cross sisters. Their influence and the example of Father Bernard Ransing, C.S.C., also of Lancaster, persuaded him to attend Holy Cross Seminary at Notre Dame for high school. After graduating in 1936, he entered St. Joseph Novitiate, Rolling Prairie, Ind., where he pronounced his first vows on Aug. 16, 1937. As a young professed religious he attended the University of Notre Dame and graduated in 1941. In August 1941 he made his perpetual profession. He did his theological studies for the next four hears at Holy Cross College in Washington, D.C. On June 10, 1945, Father Lombardo was ordained a priest by the Apostolic Delegate to the United States, later His Eminence Amleto Cardinal Cicognani in Sacred Heart Church, Notre Dame.

Father Lombardo's first assignment was to teach and prefect at Notre Dame. From 1946-1950 he studied at the Catholic University of America, earning an S.T.D. (Doctorate in Sacred Theology) in Pastristics, specializing in St. Augustine. He returned to Notre Dame to teach for one year. In 1951 he began a long career of service at the University of Portland, ending with his move to Holy Cross House in 1992 due to failing health. During those 41 years he served as a teacher of theology, chairman of the theology department, and chaplain for two terms to the University of Portland's program of studies in Salzburg, Austria.

During his years at Holy Cross House, he was most notably a wanderer and questioner. Often he could be seen at work folding towels and serving his community in very humble, simple ways. He truly became one of God's "little ones." He now finds his peace with the angels around the throne of his Father. Father Lombardo was preceded in death by his parents; his three brothers, Dominic, Joseph and Samuel; and by his sister, Mary Deverter. He is survived by his nephews, James Lombardo and William Deverter, both of Lancaster.

Friends may call from 3:30 to 9 p.m. Monday in Moreau Seminary Chapel, where a wake service will be celebrated at 7:30 p.m. The funeral Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 17, in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Notre Dame. Burial will follow at the Community Cemetery, Notre Dame. The Kaniewski Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.