The Reverend Regis J. Meenihan, 74, died Saturday evening, May 21, 2016 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh.

Father Meenihan was born on September 28, 1941 in Pittsburgh, PA, the son of Regis Leo and Martha (Harper) Meenihan.

After graduating from Taylor Allderdice Senior High School, he attended California State College (now California University) of Pennsylvania where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in education.  He enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserve in 1960 and served there until 1966. He then worked in various capacities and earned his Masters and Ph.D. in education before seeking admission to St. Mark Seminary, Erie, to prepare for the priesthood in 1986. He completed his formation for the priesthood at St. Vincent Major Seminary in Latrobe, PA and was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Erie on April 24, 1992 in St. Peter Cathedral by Bishop Donald Trautman.

Father Meenihan began his priestly ministry as Parochial Vicar at Christ the King Parish, Houtzdale (1992), and continued in the same capacity at St. Michael Parish, Greenville (1992-1993, 1994-1995). He was pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Force (2002-2004), of St. Gregory Thaumaturgus Parish, North East (2004-2005) and of St. Joseph Parish, Lucinda (2005).  He was also parochial administrator of St. Adrian, Delancey, St. Anthony, Walston and St. Joseph, Anita (2005-2007). He worked in secondary education at Kennedy Catholic High School, Hermitage (1993-1994), at Cathedral Preparatory School, Erie (1995-1998) and at Elk County Catholic School, St. Marys (2003-2004).

Fr. Meenihan also served as chaplain of Harborcreek Youth Services, Erie (1995-1998), of Allegheny College, Meadville (2000-2002) and of St. John XXIII Home, Sharon (2008-2010), as well as Campus Minister at Edinboro University, Edinboro (2007-2008). He retired in 2010.

Fr. Meenihan is survived by his sister, Maralee Murray and her husband David (Beaver Falls, PA) and his niece, Marci Fitzgerald, her husband Michael and their two children, Jacob and Brooke.

Visitation will be on Thursday, May 26, from 2:00-7:00pm at St. Stanislaus Kostka-Holy Trinity Church, 370 Spruce Street, Sharon, PA 16146.  Private visitation for clergy and family will continue Friday morning at the same church from 10:00am until the start of the funeral Mass at 11:00am at which Bishop Persico will be the main celebrant.  Burial will take place privately.