JOHNSTOWN, PA -- The Diocesan Chancery has been informed that + DEACON RICHARD HOWRILKA reposed in the Lord on Monday, January 7, 2013.  Fr. Deacon Richard was attached to St. Gregory of Nyssa Church in Seaford, New York since his ordination in 2003.  

Father Deacon Richard Howrilka was raised in the Carpatho-Russian Orthodox community in Endicott, New York where he was active in the choir and singing the traditional "Prostopinije" music.  After graduation from S.U.N.Y. Binghamton, he received a Master of Business Administration from Columbia University in New York City, and worked in the financial industry of Wall Street.  After years of contemplating his calling to the holy priesthood, and with the blessing of Metropolitan Nicholas, he enrolled at St. Vladimir's Seminary in Crestwood, N.Y. from which he graduated in 2003 with a Master of Divinity.  He was ordained deacon by His Eminence, Metropolitan Nicholas on October 12, 2003.  Fr. Deacon Richard is survived by his wife, Diana, and daughter Lydia.

The funeral arrangements are as follows:   Thursday, January 10, viewing from 5:30-7:30 PM at St. Gregory Church (Seaford), with Parastas at 7:30 PM.  On Friday, the Deacon's body will be transferred to Endicott, NY.

On Sunday, January 13,  the family will receive relatives and friends at the Leon Pucedo Funeral Home (1905 Watson Avenue) in Endicott from 2-4 PM, with the Funeral Service celebrated at 4 PM.  The Divine Liturgy will be celebrated in St. Mary's Church (Endicott) at 10 AM on Monday, January 14.

May Almighty God rest the soul of His newly departed servant, the Deacon Richard in the abode of the saints, where there is neither sickness, sorrow nor pain, but life-everlasting.  May His Memory Be Eternal!