My favorite all time priest. A gentle soul who didn't seem to always go by the manual but knew what was needed at the time. Never walked away from him that I didn't feel even better than when I ran into him. Wish the world was full of people like him. Rest in peace man of God! 

I met Fr. Alexis over a year ago, after he retired to Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Shrine in Youngstown, Ohio and I was privileged to serve mass with him daily. He was a kind ,and humble priest with a gentle spirit and a subtle sense of humor that would catch you off guard if you were not paying attention.

His homilies, short and to the point, often would have a heart-felt  historical message. Often I would request a copy from him. Now, I wish I had them all or at least put more to memory. 

One in particular that I received from him was as follows: 
"Lord teach us that here on earth, you have no hands but ours to reach out to the needy. You have no heart but ours to embrace the lonely.  You have no voice but ours to share the message of why you lived, suffered and died for us.  Lord, teach us that here on earth, we are your hands, we are your voice, and we are your heart. "

 Last year on the day of our wedding anniversary,  he gave my husband and I a beautiful blessing after mass. I thank God for allowing me to share a short part of my life with Fr. Alexis and will continue to keep him and his family in my prayers.  He will be deeply missed, but I know God called him home. 

So sad to hear of Fathers Alexis passing.  So grateful for his friendship, his sermons and the time he took to bless us all, especially Mom.  May he Rest In Peace


We were friends since grade school at Help of Christians in Pittsburgh and always got together when he came back to Pittsburgh for a visit.

He will be truly missed by all the boys from Larimer that grew up with him.

Fr Alexis said noon Mass every weekday during the pandemic. I believe this was real trust in the the Lord. 

Truly one of the best.  Missed him dearly when Saint Pamphilus closed.  May his gentle and humorous soul rest in peace.

Forever grateful.  Such a wonderful man.  Lexie, who passed away on October 22, 2020, loved working for Fr. Alexis as the Business Manager for St. Pamphilus Church for over 20 years.  So many fond memories.  We will always have Fr. Alexis in our prayers.

The Chaney Family

Rest in Peace Fr. Alexis. Our loss is Heaven's gain!

Rest In Peace Fr. Alexis. You were apart of our lives since Fred attended Serra High School & your friendship with your brother in Christ, Fr. Mike Bercik. Thank you for all the wonderful memories!

Love~The Bercik Family

In my only year at Serra Father Alexis made me feel welcomed.  Our lunch time conversations (non-sports related) will always be treasured.  Rest in Peace and continue to watch over us.

One of many great teachers. Enjoying chemistry and latin classes! Never forget the small explosion fire demonstration that he performed for the class!! I'm glad that we met again at the reunion about 10 years ago and he still looks the same (must be a secret prayer). God bless him!! 

Rest in eternal glory, great teacher, preacher of the Gospel, and friend. You inspired me to be a chemical engineer - and I am eternally grateful for your friendship and kindness.
Well done, good and faithful servant. Enjoy your new life in the company of the God you lived for and loved.

My friendship with Fr. Alexis lasted well beyond Serra Catholic. As a graduate nurse he would visit my patients at AGH while I was on duty. We had many delicious Italian dinners all over the Burg. We went to street fairs in his family’s Morningside neighborhood. He married us in 1986 then renewed our vows 30 years later. I will miss him dearly. 

When I was a kid, Father Alexis heard my confession.  As my penance, he told me that for two weeks, once every day, I had to focus and think about something good about myself.  That really stuck with me and made me feel worthy of God's love and forgiveness.  I'll always feel grateful to him for recognizing what I needed at the time.

OBITUARY

Father Alexis Anania, OFM

May 18, 1931 – July 24, 2021

Joseph G. Duffy

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