Fr. Frank P. Lihvar, S.J.

   Fr. Frank P. Lihvar, S.J., 81, a member of the Society of Jesus for 60 years, died peacefully on Jan. 8, 2009, after dealing in recent years with cancer. 

  A native Clevelander, who was very proud of his Slovak heritage, Fr. Lihvar attended Our Lady of Lourdes grade school and Benedictine High School.  He served in the Navy during World War II.  After his discharge, he attended John Carroll University, where he felt he received his vocation to the Jesuits and priesthood.  He entered the Jesuit Novitiate in Milford, Ohio, in August 1948; between his Jesuit philosophical and theological studies at West Baden College in Indiana, he taught at University of Detroit High School.   He was ordained a priest at West Baden College in June 1961, and after graduate studies at the University of Chicago, he received a doctorate in Classical Languages. 

  Fr. Lihvar began teaching Latin and Greek at John Carroll University in fall 1970, and upon retirement became professor emeritus in 2000.  Even as recently as fall semester 2008, he taught a special course in Greek literature for advanced Classics majors.  For many years, he served as a chaplain to the Sisters of Notre Dame at Regina High School.  He was an avid golfer, enjoyed classical music, and was a companion to many.  He is survived by his sister, Margaret Janos, of Perry, Ohio, as well as many nephews and nieces.

   The Mass of the Resurrection will be on Tuesday, January 13, at Gesu Church at 7 p.m. The Jesuit community and Fr. Lihvar's family will also receive friends at Gesu Church on Tuesday from 1 to 5 p.m. Interment will be on Wednesday, January 14, at All Saints Cemetery (Northfield) at 10:30 a.m. Please meet at the main gate.

Fr. Frank P. Lihvar, S.J.
1927-2009