Our brother Regis Schlick, OFM Cap., died on April 12, 2016,at UPMC Shadyside Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA, after a long illness. He was 84.
Born in Wheeling, WV, to Joseph and Catherine (Lynch) on July 1, 1931, our brother was baptized at St. Alphonsus Church there and given the name Edward. He attended St. Mary Catholic Elementary School and Central Catholic, both in Wheeling.
After graduation from high school, Edward was employed as a textile purchaser until he joined the United States Army in 1952 at the age of 21. He was honorably discharged two years later and remained a proud veteran and member of the American Legion.
Shortly after military service, Edward entered St. Fidelis Seminary in Herman, PA. On July 13, 1958, he was invested with the Capuchin habit and took his Religious name, Regis. One year later, he professed his first vows as a Capuchin friar and on July 14, 1962, made his perpetual profession of vows.
Br. Regis studied theology at Capuchin College, an internal theological faculty of the friars in Washington, DC, before being ordained to the priesthood on February 13, 1965, at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC.
Fr. Regis' first assignment led him to the then mission of our Capuchin Province in Puerto Rico where he was to serve the people for 31 years. Friars often say that one's first assignment remains dear to our hearts throughout our life, and it was no less true for Regis' love for the people of Santa Teresita Parish in Ponce, PR.
In 1969 he was transferred to Adjuntas (San Joaquin Parish) where he served the brothers as the community's local guardian for three years. Known for his love of our brothers and our common life, he was elected to the leadership council of the Vice Province in 1975.
In 1978, Regis was assigned to Rio Piedras, PR (San Antonio Parish), serving in numerous capacities for the next 18 years. From 1978 until 1984 he was parochial vicar of the parish, followed by a term as pastor until 1993. He was also Spiritual Assistant to the Secular Franciscans, chaplain for the local school, as well as chaplain to the Barrio Buen Consejo Chapel and the Leopold Figuero Residence.
Regis returned to the Province in 1996 at the age of 65, working at St. Ambrose Parish in Cresaptown, MD, and our friary of St. Peter & St. Paul. A year later he was named pastor of two parishes in West Virginia: Sacred Heart in Point Pleasant and St. Joseph in Mason. He remained at that post until 2008, when declining health led to his retirement.
Taking up residence at St. Augustine Friary in Pittsburgh, PA, he served as confessor for the Sisters of St. Francis at Mt. Alvernia in Milvale, PA, and celebrated Sunday Mass at Vincentian de Marillac Nursing Home in Pittsburgh.
Our brother Regis is fondly remembered for his affectionate personal and pastoral style, his love of West Virginia and Puerto Rico, and his pride in his military service.
A weakening heart and limited energies led him to the Vincentian Home in Pittsburgh in March 2016 when it was clear that the friars were no longer able to give him the care he needed. He always wanted to come back to the friary to be among the brothers, but he was admitted to UPMC Shadyside on April 11, where he passed away the following day.
Father Regis was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Martin and Bernard, and his sisters Dolores Travis and Virginia Nesbitt. He is survived by several nephews.
Donations in memory of Father Regis' wonderful life and ministry may be made to the Capuchin Friars.
Read the Tribute of Fr. Bonaventure
Funeral
The body of Fr. Regis was received at St. Augustine Friary (221 36th Street) on Friday, April 15, with visitation in the chapel from 2:00pm to 4:00pm and 7:00pm to 9:00pm. A Wake Service was prayed at 8:00pm.
The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at Our Lady of the Angels Church (250 37th Street, Pittsburgh, PA) on Saturday, April 16, and his burial followed the Mass in the Friars€™ Plot of Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Wheeling, WV.