Reverend Joseph Chancler, TOR, a member of the Franciscan Friars of the Third Order Regular, Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, was called home to the Lord on August 7, 2026, at the age of 74.
The son of Joseph A Chancler and Ella Mae (O’Brien) Chancler. Fr. Joe was born in Tampa, FL and grew up in Levittown, Pennsylvania. Joseph attended Bishop Egan High School, Fairless Hills, PA, class of 1969 where he met many of the Franciscan T.O.R.’s who taught there. They had an influence in fostering his vocation to become a Franciscan Priest. Fr. Joe earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Penn State University at University Park, PA in 1973. After working in the private industry for several years, he joined the Franciscans in 1977 as a postulant and professed solemn vows six years later. Fr. Joe also earned a Philosophy NDC from Saint Francis College in Loretto and a and a Master of Divinity at the University of St. Michael’s College in Toronto, ON. He was ordained to the priesthood on November 26, 1983.
As a Franciscan priest, Father Joe served as a faculty member at Saint Francis University in Loretto, PA from 1983 through 2000 teaching mathematics and computer science. During that time, he also served as the Local Vicar at St. Francis Monastery from 1984 to 1988 and then as the Local Minister from 1999 through 2000. Fr. Joe also served as a Spiritual Assistant for the Secular Franciscan Order.
For nearly five years, Fr. Joe also engaged in parochial ministry, serving as Parochial Vicar of St. Patrick Church in Tampa, FL before returning to Saint Francis University to teach mathematics once again.
In addition to teaching mathematics, one of Fr. Joe’s greatest joys was serving as the Team Chaplain for the Saint Francis University Men’s Basketball Team for nearly twenty years. In addition to attending practices and being present on the bench at home games, Fr. Joe often traveled with the team to away games. A highlight was being able to meet NBA Hall of Famer Bill Walton with the team when they played UCLA in Los Angeles one year. He also often ate lunch in the cafeteria with the student-athletes and strived to serve their needs.
Fr. Joe’s life reflected a deep faith, demonstrated through his passion for education and religious devotion. He will be remembered fondly not only for his professional achievements but especially for his deep love for continued learning, which he shared through his ministry and time as a collegiate educator.
Preceded in death by his parents and fourteen aunts and uncles, he is survived by his brothers two brothers Ronald Chancler and James Chancler, of Holland, PA, eleven cousins, as well as his Franciscan Community.
Family and friends are invited to visit on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Saint Francis Friary at Mount Assisi in Loretto, PA. A Vigil Prayer Service will be held at 7 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Saint Francis Friary with the Very Reverend Joseph Lehman, TOR, as the principal celebrant. After the Mass, interment will take place at the Franciscan Friars’ Cemetery on the Saint Francis University campus in Loretto.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions for the Friars’ Retirement Fund can be made payable to: Franciscan Friars TOR, P.O. Box 500, Loretto, PA 15940. Arrangements are handled by Gibbons Funeral Home, 301 Church St., Gallitzin, PA 16641.
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