Our brother, Fr. Ed Laurent, OFM Cap., died on July 15, 2014, at Villa de Marillac in Pittsburgh, PA, one day after celebrating his 83rd Birthday. A member of the St. Augustine Fraternity in Pittsburgh, PA, Fr. Ed, at his request, was taken to UPMC Shadyside Hospital on Friday, July 11, remaining there over the weekend. His doctor decided that he would benefit from physical and occupational therapy at nearby Villa De Marillac where he was transferred on his birthday.
Born in Pittsburgh to Herman Joseph and Catherine (Hines) Laurent on July 14, 1931, he attended St. Philip and Resurrection Grade School in the Brookline section of the city, and in 1949 he graduated from South Hills Public High School. Ed is survived by his sisters, Catherine Palmiere and Barbara Bell.
In 1950 Ed Laurent joined the US Army and was assigned to the Army Language School in Monterey, CA, to study Russian. After his military service in 1953, he studied at Duquesne University.
Ed entered St. Fidelis Seminary in Herman, PA, professing his first vows as a Capuchin friar in 1958 and taking the religious name of "Br. Max." Upon attaining his bachelor’s degree in philosophy in 1960, he undertook theological studies at Capuchin College in Washington, DC, and was ordained to the priesthood on February 8, 1964, earning his Master’s degree in theology later that year. He returned to his baptismal name, as other friars did, when it was permitted in 1968.
Fr. Ed was a linguist and loved languages. In addition to his knowledge of the Russian language which served the government well in his military work, he was proficient in French. He studied the language at Georgetown University in DC, Laval University in Québec, Canada, Catholic University in DC, and in Middlebury College in Vermont. He also attended the University of Paris and was awarded the Diplôme d'études secondaires for his studies of French Civilization.
Ed taught French at the St. Fidelis High School in Herman for a number of years where his students remember his dry wit and his casual turns of phrases. As a devoted member of the faculty, he also took an interest in the financial support of the Seminary and founded the St. Fidelis Development Office, serving as its director until 2004. Devoted to raising the needed resources for the seminary's survival, he loved working with his staff whom he counted among his dearest friends. He deeply appreciated the many benefactors who supported the work of the friars and initiated an annual dinner to thank them and encourage them for their support.
Until recently our brother Ed was a regular presence for many years at St. Ursula Parish in Pittsburgh, PA. It was a difficult decision for him to discontinue his ministry there due to declining health in recent years.
Fr. Ed will always be remembered for his humor, for his love of French culture and for sharing stories about his military career and Seminary days. We will always be in his debt for his contribution of guaranteeing the continued support for the Education and training of our Capuchin friars in studies.
He was proudly a member of the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Funeral Details
Our brother Ed's body was received at St. Augustine Friary in Pittsburgh on Thursday, July 17. After a period for public visitation, a Wake Service was prayed. In the picture to the right, Guardian Phil Fink, OFM Cap., is seen transporting the casket into the friary along with confreres Fr. Bernard Finerty, OFM Cap. and Fr. Frank Fugini, OFM Cap.
The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at Our Lady of the Angels Church (250 37th Street, Pittsburgh, PA) on Friday, July 18. Burial followed in the Friars’ Plot of St. Augustine Cemetery in Millvale, PA.
May you rest in the Lord's peace, Ed - may he smile upon you - and may you experience the Goodness and power of His eternal life.
If you would want to remember our brother Fr. Ed's work with a contribution for the still-needed support of our young friars in study, please go to our Donations' page. With Fr. Ed, we offer our sincere thanks to you for making our lives in the Lord's service and mission possible.