Richard Thomas Guilfoyle

Richard Guilfoyle was born near Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, on December 22. 1892.^[1] At age 15, he started working in a coal mine.^[2] After deciding to enter the priesthood, he studied at St. Bonaventure College in St. Bonaventure, New York.

Guilfoyle was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Erie by Bishop Dennis Joseph Dougherty on June 2, 1917, in Buffalo, New York.^[1] The diocese then assigned him as a curate at St. Stephen Parish in Oil City, Pennsylvania, until 1921, when he became secretary to Bishop John Gannon. Guilfoyle also served as pastor of St. Peter's Cathedral Parish in Erie, Pennsylvania, and chancellor of the diocese.^[2][3]

On August 8, 1936, Guilfoyle was appointed bishop of Altoona by Pope Pius XI. He received his episcopal consecration on November 30, 1936, from Archbishop Gannon at Saint Peter Cathedral in Erie, assisted by Archbishop Thomas Walsh and Bishop Francis Tief.^[1][2]

Guilfoyle died of a heart attack in Altoona on June 10, 1957, at age 64.^[1][2] Bishop Guilfoyle High School in Altoona is named after him.^[4]