STANION -- Fr. Robert Stanion, CFR, 61, one of the founding friars of the Community of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFRs), passed away on Monday, March 23, 2009, at noon in Las Vegas, Nevada. Robert Stanion was born on April 1, 1947, in Boston, Massachusetts to Charles and Jean Stanion. He obtained his undergraduate degree at Fordham University in 1986 and his Master of Divinity at St. Joseph Seminary in 1992. Fr. Robert entered the Capuchin Franciscans (OFM Cap.) on March 18, 1966. He professed his perpetual vows as a Franciscan religious on May 8, 1972. Fr. Robert cofounded the CFRs in April 1987 in the Bronx, New York, and was ordained a priest of Jesus Christ on May 16, 1992, at St. Patrick's Cathedral. During his 43 years as a Franciscan religious, he served as a lay brother for 26 years, and as a priest for the past 17 years Fr. Robert is survived by his mother, Jean Stanion, as well as his siblings Dennis, James, Carol, Charlene, and Charles.
Viewing and Services will be held at San Jose Parish, 2401 Broadway Blvd SE, in Albuquerque on Thursday, March 26, 2009, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., in the main church. A Rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m. and will be followed by a Memorial Mass at 7:00 p.m. A reception will follow at St. Francis Xavier Parish Hall, 820 Broadway Blvd SE. In lieu of flowers, the community kindly requests that donations be made to the CFRs for the ongoing work of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal at San Juan Diego Friary located in Albuquerque. Details can be found on the friars' website: www.cfr-newmexico.com. Thank you and may God bless you! Fr. Stanion's body will be flown to New York, where interment will take place. Arrangements by Direct Funeral Services, 2919 4th St. NW. ABQ. 505-343-8008.
-Albuquerque Journal Obituary
