Msgr. John A. Cippel

Monsignor John Anthony Cippel, 92, a retired priest of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, passed away peacefully on December 1, 2025, while under hospice care at the St. John XXIII Retirement Residence in Lutz, Florida. He was battling leukemia at the time of his death.

Monsignor Cippel was born to John and Julia (Kudasik) in Ford City, Pennsylvania, on April 8, 1933. He spent his formative years growing up in Ford City. He was an altar server at his church- Holy Trinity. Holy Trinity was also his grade school. John was proud to be of Slovak descent. He also was very proud of his first real job as a newspaper carrier, that job allowed him to learn every street as well as many of the Ford City residents as he delivered papers on his bicycle. Later in his life, he worked as a soda jerk at a local ice cream parlor on Ford Street. John was a graduate of Ford City High School Class of 1951. He displayed his leadership and scholastic qualities early in life as he was elected class president of his sophomore, junior and senior classes. For The Class of 1951 at Ford City High School, he was the valedictorian.

After high school graduation, John heard God calling him to a life of service. He first studied at Saint Vincent College and Seminary in Latrobe, PA, receiving his bachelor of arts degree in philosophy, then did his formal seminary training at St. Charles Major Seminary, Philadelphia. He eventually decided to become a missionary and serve in Africa. He was ordained to the priesthood on January 28, 1960 at The Cathedral of Carthage in Tunis, Tunisia on the continent of Africa. His parents, parish priest Fr. Yanosek and several relatives were fortunate to attend the ceremony. Following his ordination, he provided priestly service to the people of Carthage, Tunisia. While in Africa, he became fluent in Swahili. John shared memories of his presiding at the dedication of the North Africa American Cemetery and Memorial, July 21 1960 in Carthage. Throughout his time in Africa, he also served as a faculty member at various institutions including, The College Seminary of the Missionaries of Africa, Onchinata, New York 1963-66; Dayton University and The Formation House for the Missionaries of Africa, Dayton, Ohio 1966-67; Nyegezi Seminary, Mwanza, Tanzania, Africa 1967-70; and Ntungamo Major Seminary, Bukoba, Tanzania, Africa 1970-71. He also served as a youth chaplain for The Diocese of Mwanza 1972-73. Later, he enjoyed teaching religion in the public schools of Mwanza, Tanzania. In 1973, John returned to the United States where he studied pastoral counseling at the Andover Newton Theological School near Boston Massachusetts, earning his Doctorate of Ministry Degree there in 1975.

In 1975, he moved to Florida where he spent the rest of his life in service for God's people in the Diocese of Saint Petersburg. He was loved by his parishioners throughout his many years there. His mission was to serve The Lord. He provided spiritual advice to countless seminarians, priests and lay people. He never was one to seek the limelight, but among the many recognitions and awards received by Monsignor included the title “Prelate of Honor of His Holiness” by Saint (Pope) John Paul II, in 1999. In 2000, his fellow priests nominated him for the Father Luis de Cancer Distinguished Priestly Service Award. In 2014, The Institute of Priestly Formation at Creighton University honored him with the Our Lady of Guadalupe Award.

Monsignor Cippel was preceded in death by his parents, John and Julia, his sister Kathyrn Bellas and many beloved cousins, aunts and uncles. He is survived by many cousins in Ford City, who knew him as “Father John”. They will miss listening to his entertaining stories about his early life in Ford City as well as his adventures in Africa. The Catholic Community of Ford City will miss his almost yearly pilgrimages home, to his beloved Ford City, where he would offer masses, host religious retreats and visit with his many friends and relatives.

A Funeral Mass was held for him in Florida, December 11, 2025. Monsignor is buried at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Clearwater, Florida. A Memorial Mass will be offered Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 10 a.m., at Christ Prince of Peace Church, 718 4th Ave., Ford City, PA 16226.  To share memories or condolences, please visit www.welchfh.com.

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