The Rev. Alexander Mary Bombera, T.O.R., 98, a Stevens Point native who has relatives living in Stevens Point, of the Third Order Regular Franciscans of the Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, died Thursday, Nov. 16, 2017, at St. Francis Friary-Mt. Assisi, Loretto, Penn., after an extended illness.

He was born Jan. 21, 1919, in Stevens Point, a son of the late John and Mary (Somberg) Bombera. He graduated from high school in Stevens Point, and attended St. Mary’s College, Orchard Lake, Mich., for two years.

He entered the T.O.R. postulancy at Raymond Hall, St. Francis College, Loretto, Sept. 14, 1940. He entered the novitiate at Raymond Hall July 9, 1941, and received the name Alexander Mary. He pronounced his first vows July 10, 1942, in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception at Old Main, the Motherhouse of the Province; he pronounced solemn vows July 10, 1945, at Mt. Assisi Monastery, Loretto.

He was ordained to the priesthood Aug. 15, 1946, by the late Bishop John King Mussio, D.D, Bishop of the Diocese of Steubenville, Ohio, (the first priestly ordination performed by Bishop Mussio) at the Holy Name Cathedral, Steubenville, Ohio. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from St. Francis College (University), Loretto, in May 1942. He completed Theological Studies at St. Francis Seminary, Loretto, in 1946.

He was assigned to his first mission in India in 1946 and served there until 1968. He is the last of the pioneer friars who served in India, having contributed to the now three provinces of the Order in India.

In 1968, he was then assigned to the missions in Brazil, and served until 1978. Upon his return to the States, he was assigned to the home missions in South Dakota. From September 1978 until 1986, he was pastor of St. Joseph Church, Wessington Springs, S.D., then through May 2007, he was pastor of St. John Church, Plankinton, S.D. For his exemplary service, the State of South Dakota honored him by placing his name in the state Hall of Fame.

From June 2007 until the present, he resided at St. Francis Friary-Mt. Assisi, where he served in the ministry of prayer. He held the honor of being the senior member of the Province, and the last friar to have lived at Old Main on the campus of St. Francis University, which was destroyed by fire in 1942.

He was preceded in death by seven brothers and sisters.

He is survived by nieces and nephews, and his Franciscan brothers.

Visitation will be at the Chapel of St. Francis Friary-Mt. Assisi, Loretto, Penn., at 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26. Vigil service will be at 7 p.m. with Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 27, at St. Francis Chapel-Mt. Assisi, Loretto, with Very Rev. Richard L. Davis, T.O.R., Minister Provincial, as principal celebrant.

Following the Mass, Committal will take place at the Franciscan Friars’ Cemetery on the campus of St. Francis University, Loretto, Penn. Memorial contribution may be made to support retired T.O.R. Friars, c/o T.O.R. Retirement Fund, St. Francis Friary, P.O. Box 137, Loretto, PA 15940. Arrangements by Gibbons Funeral Home, 301 Church Street, Gallitzin, PA 16641.