Francis L. Shigo

Rev. Francis L. Shigo, SVD, a dedicated Divine Word Missionary for 54 years, died at Little Company of Mary Hospital in Torrance, CA on September 29, at the age of 74.Fr. Shigo was born in Coaldale, PA on February 3, 1932, to Joseph Shigo and Anna Kovach Shigo. He was one of 6 children. He was baptized and received his First Holy Communion and was confirmed at SS. Cyril and Methodius Church in Coaldale.Fr. Shigo entered the Society of the Divine Word in 1946, at Girard, PA. He made his first Vows in 1952 in Conesus, NY, and was ordained a priest in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, in 1960. Shortly thereafter, he was transferred and assinged to the Western Province to be one of the pioneers at Verbum Dei High School in Watts. He served there as a biology teacher until 1973, when he was appointed by Rome to be the Provincial Superior for the Western Province. He was Provincial from 1973-1979, followed by an appointment to serve as Provincial Procurator from 1979-1982. Fr. Shigo then returned to Verbum Dei High School as the business manager. In 1989 he began ministry as a hospital chaplain and served at Queen of Angels Hospital and at Little Compnay of Mary Community Hospital San Pedro until his untimely death.Along with Fr. Shigo's SVD ministries, he was also dedicated to the Beatitudes of our Lord parish, where he served for the past 40 years as a supply priest. Throughout these years of ministry he established valued and memorable friendships. His dependability, availabilty and spirt of hospitality attracted many to embrace his love.Fr. Shigo is survived by his sister Rita wife of the late Frank Defebo of Coaldale, a brother Joseph and his wife Josephine of Toms River, NJ. He was the fond uncle of many nieces and nephews, and a devoted friend of many.He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, William and Robert and a sister Sr. Mary Louise Shigo M.S.E.Calling Hours: Friday Evening (10-6-06) from 6-9 pm at SS. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church 41 East Ruddle Street in Coaldale and Saturday Morning from 10:30 until the time of service.Mass of Christian Burial Noon on Saturday (10-7-06) at SS. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church with Rev. Fisher Anderson S.V.D. & the Very. Rev. Luke Anderson officiating.Interment: SS. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church cemetery in Nesquehoning, PA.In Lieu of flowers contributions in his name my be made to St. Vincent De paul Society or Our Lady of the Angels Academy.Guestbook may be signed at: www.griffithsfuneralhomes.comArrangements by the Holmes-Griffiths Funeral Home Inc.200 East Bertsch Street, Lansford PA 18232Melissa Sommers/F.D./Supervisor

Flower tribute for this service can be viewed here