Fr. Louis S. Sedlacko, O.S.B., a monk of Saint Vincent Archabbey, died Friday, October 10. He was born in Hostetter, Pennsylvania, on August 17, 1917, a son of the late Stephen and Anna (Sobota) Sedlacko. He is one of six children. His brothers are the late Joseph and George Sedlacko. His sisters are Mrs. Andrew (Helen) Pavlock of McKeesport, Mrs. John (Magdalen) Hertneky of Aliquippa and Mrs. Richard (Josephine) Pavlock of McKeesport.
He attended Saint Cecilia Grade School in Whitney, and is a 1935 graduate of Saint Vincent Preparatory School. He received a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy from Saint Vincent College in 1940, and completed his ordination studies at Saint Vincent Seminary. He also did graduate studies in mathematics and chemistry at Notre Dame University.
He entered the Benedictine monastic Community of Saint Vincent Archabbey in 1937. He made simple profession of vows on July 2, 1938, and solemn profession on July 11, 1941. He was ordained a priest by the late Hugh C. Boyle, Bishop of Pittsburgh, in Saint Vincent Archabbey Church on June 11, 1944.
Father Louis has served the Archabbey primarily in its educational apostolates. At Saint Vincent Preparatory School, he was a teacher of Latin, algebra and chemistry (1940–1965), a prefect (1942–1952), athletic director (944-1954); prefect of studies (1947–1950), assistant headmaster (1950–1954), guidance director (1954–1956), and headmaster (1956–1966). At Saint Vincent College, Father Louis was registrar (1966–1971), director of admission (1966–1975), and assistant director of admission (1975–1985). He also served as pastor of Saint Boniface Parish, Chestnut Ridge (1975–1991).
Father Louis was a member of the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the National Catholic Education Association, National Education Association, Knights of Columbus and the Mathematical Teachers Association of Western Pennsylvania.
In 1991, he retired to the Archabbey where he was an avid gardener and rosary maker with beads grown in his garden.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Benedictine Health and Welfare Fund, Saint Vincent Archabbey, 300 Fraser Purchase Road, Latrobe, Pa., 15650-2690.
The body of Father Louis will be received at 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 11 in the Elizabeth J. Roderick Center, Saint Vincent Archabbey. Viewing will be held on Saturday, October 11 from 3 to 5 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m. and on Sunday, October 12, from 3 to 5 p.m. in the parlor of the Elizabeth J. Roderick Center. The body will be transferred to the Basilica for the vigil service at 7:15 p.m. on Sunday, October 12. Viewing will continue until 9 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Archabbey Basilica by Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B. at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, October 13, followed by the rite of committal in Saint Vincent Cemetery.
