Father Marion J. Emling, O.S.B., 86, a monk of St. Vincent Archabbey, Latrobe, died Friday, Feb. 21, 2003. He was born Nov. 10, 1916, in Erie, a son of the late George F. and Barbara (Eichenlaub) Emling. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, the Rev. Bertin L. Emling, O.S.B., also of St. Vincent Archabbey.

He attended St. Mary Parochial School and was a 1935 graduate of East High School, both in Erie. He attended the University of Dayton, Ohio, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in education (1940); St. John College, Cleveland, Ohio (1944), St. John University, Brooklyn, N.Y. (1959), Case Western Reserve University, where he earned a master of arts degree in business administration and economics (1944), a master of education degree (1946) and a doctor of education degree (1949). He earned a master of divinity degree in 1978 from Christ the King Seminary, East Aurora, N.Y.

He made simple profession of vows in the Society of Mary, Dayton, Ohio (Aug. 15, 1936) and perpetual vows on Aug. 25, 1940. He was incardinated into the Diocese of Pittsburgh following ordination on Sept. 30, 1978, by Bishop Vincent Leonard.

Following ordination, he served as associate pastor at St. Louise de Marillac Parish, Upper St. Clair, Pittsburgh (1978-1980) and as associate pastor at Holy Innocents Parish, Sheridan (1980). In 1980, he transferred to the Benedictine Community at St. Vincent Archabbey Parish, where he served as associate chaplain at hospitals in Latrobe and Greensburg (1982-1994), assistant chaplain of St. Vincent Infirmary (1994 to present) and Prior’s assistant (1994). He also served as the academic dean of St. Vincent Seminary (1981-1982).

Prior to his service at St. Vincent, he was an elementary and junior high school teacher for two years, a senior high school teacher for 13 years, and a university professor for 19 years. He also served three years at Chaminade College, Santa Cruz, Calif., which he founded with Fr. Clemens, S.M., a Marianist priest, and one year at St. Mary’s College, Moraga, Calif., as an administrator and teacher.

He has received a number of honors and awards, including membership in the Alpha Sigma Tau Honor Society and Phi Delta Kappa 158 at the University of Dayton.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Monday at 10:30 a.m. in St. Vincent Archabbey Basilica.