Rev. Bernard M. (Fr. Mike) Harcarik

Bernard (Fr. Mike) Harcarik died peacefully on Friday, December 22, 2023 at Marian Manor, Greentree. Son of the late Michael and Sophie Harcarik. Brother of Thomas Harcarik (and the late Donna) and Marie (Paul) Messineo. Uncle of Paul (Terri) Messineo, Jr., Michele (Rick) Astle, Lori (Scott) Kusluch, and Tom (Shandra) Harcarik. Also survived by many great nieces and nephews. Bernard Harcarik was born on November 19, 1936, in Forest Hills, PA and attended St. Colman Elementary School and St. Thomas High School. In 1959, Bernard received his B.A. Bachelor of Arts at Saint Vincent College (Latrobe, PA), and in 1961 received his S.T.B. Bachelor of Sacred Theology (Baltimore, MD). In 1963, Bernard received his S.T.L. Licentiate in Sacred Theology from Saint Mary's Seminary and University (Baltimore, MD). Bernard was ordained on May 4, 1963, by Bishop John Wright at Saint Paul Cathedral, Pittsburgh, PA and was incardinated into the Diocese of Pittsburgh on May 4, 1963.

Bernard “Fr. Mike” served as a priest in the Diocese of Pittsburgh for 60 years.  

From 1963 to 1972, Fr. Mike ministered at three parishes in Pittsburgh (Resurrection, St. Elizabeth of Hungary and St. Joachim) and from 1973 to 1976 served as Chaplain at Our Lady of Mercy Academy. From 1976 to 1986, Fr. Mike served as Pastor of St. John Capistran Parish (Upper St. Clair) and from 1986 to 1992 was Pastor of St. Mary of the Assumption Parish (Glenshaw). For the next 30 years (1992 to 2022), the South Side of Pittsburgh became Fr. Mike’s beloved home. You could often find Fr. Mike taking daily walks throughout South Side and having coffee at the local Starbucks where he enjoyed meeting and having conversations with others. Fr. Mike served as Team Moderator of Team Ministry from 1992 to 1995 at Prince of Peach Parish and then as Pastor of Prince of Peace Parish for the next  23 years from 1995 until his retirement in 2018. Fr. Mike remained in residence at Mary, Queen of Peace Parish until 2022.                      

Fr. Mike served in many leadership roles in the Diocese of Pittsburgh including Dean of the Pittsburgh South Deanery (1992 to 1998), Coordinator of Priest Council, Chaplain of University Catholic Club, Member of Deacon Internship Program, Priest Personnel Board, College of Consultors and Priest Council for several years.

Friends will be received at the John J. Gmiter Funeral Home, Ltd., 119 South 15th Street, 15203 (South Side) on Tuesday, December 26, 2023 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm. Visitation at Mary, Queen of Peace Parish, Saint Adalbert Church on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 from 9 to 11 am where a Mass of Christian Burial, officiated by the Most Reverend David A. Zubik, will immediately follow. 

In the spirit of serving others in our community with a grateful heart, Fr. Mike specifically requested donations to the St. Vincent de Paul Society in lieu of flowers.

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