Fr. Emeric J. Pfiester, O.S.B., a monk of Saint Vincent Archabbey, died Saturday, September 30, 2000. He was 78 years old.

Father Emeric was born on December 9, 1921, in Nicktown, Pa., the son of the late Nicholas and Emma (Lehmier) Pfiester, and was one of ten children. He attended Saint Nicholas Grade School in Nicktown, Spangler High School in Spangler, Pa., and Saint Vincent Preparatory School. He received a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy from Saint Vincent College and attended Saint Vincent Seminary from 1943 to 1948. He also studied at Seton Hill College, the former Carnegie Tech, and The Catholic University of America. Father Emeric entered Saint Vincent Archabbey in 1942, making simple profession of vows on July 2, 1943, and solemn profession of vows on July 11, 1946. He was ordained a priest on June 13, 1948.

Father Emeric taught Latin and art at Saint Vincent College and Preparatory School early in his monastic career. He also helped to restore and catalogue the Archabbey’s art collection and built a collection of contemporary American paintings. In 1963 Father Emeric entered the pastoral apostolate, serving in parishes in the dioceses of Greensburg, Altoona-Johnstown, and Covington, Kentucky. While stationed in Kentucky he received several honors, including a commission as a Kentucky Colonel and an appointment as Deputy Sheriff of Kenton County, Kentucky. After retiring in 1992 Father Emeric worked with the Archabbey stamp collection.

Father Emeric was a member of the American Federation of Art and the Catholic Art Association.

Father Emeric is survived by one brother, Joseph, of Berkley, Mi.; and one sister, Sister Mary Martha, R.S.M., of Dallas, Pa. He is preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Carl, Nicholas, and Omer; and four sisters, Alice, Esther Bridge, Irene Abbot, and Kathleen Krug.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Benedictine Health and Welfare Fund at Saint Vincent Archabbey.