Richard Thomas Guilfoyle

Richard Thomas Guilfoyle (December 22, 1892 – June 10, 1957) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church who served as the third bishop of the Diocese of Altoona in Pennsylvania from 1936 to 1957.

Biography

Early life Richard Guilfoyle was born near Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, on December 22. 1892. At age 15, he started working in a coal mine. After deciding to enter the priesthood, he studied at St. Bonaventure College in St. Bonaventure, New York.

Priesthood Guilfoyle was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Erie by Bishop Dennis Joseph Dougherty on June 2, 1917, in Buffalo, New York.

Bishop of Altoona On August 8, 1936, Guilfoyle was appointed bishop of Altoona by Pope Pius XI. He received his episcopal consecration on November 30, 1936, from Archbishop Gannon at Saint Peter Cathedral in Erie, assisted by Archbishop Thomas Walsh and Bishop Francis Tief.