Br. Michael Lonsway, F.C.

Brother Michael Lonsway FC died on September 4, 2026 peacefully at home at Triest Hall, his religious house. He was 79 years old, and only a few days shy of his 80th birthday.

Brother Michael was born September 9, 1946 in Fostoria, Ohio to Wilfred Lonsway and Marie Landoll. He enjoyed a childhood with an extremely large extended family, a prankster at heart.

He attended Saint Wendelin Grade school and High school, both in Fostoria, before spending a short time in the seminary of the Precious Blood Fathers. In 1964, he joined the Novitiate of the Brothers of Charity in suburban Philadelphia and professed his religious vows on August 15, 1966 at Seven Dolors Church in Wyndmoor, PA.

Brother Michael had his eyes set on teaching, and earnestly began studies at LaSalle College (now University) in Philadelphia earning his bachelor’s degree in Education. Following graduation, he immediately began studies at Colgate University in New York, earning his Master’s degree in Mathematics education. Years later he would again return to studies at Chestnut Hill College and Temple University in Philadelphia.

He found immense fulfillment in the classroom teaching math first at LaSalle College High School in Wyndmoor; Cardinal Dougherty High School in Philadelphia; Prestonsburg Community College in Prestonsburg, Kentucky; St. Pius X High School in Piscataway, New Jersey; and St. Peter High School in New Brunswick, New Jersey. He also taught math to student Brothers of Charity in Belgium, in a program coordinated with Catholic University of America.

His talents were soon recognized beyond the classroom, and he was asked to take over the direction of Saint Vincent Mission in rural Eastern Kentucky. He grew to love his assignment there and the many people he encountered. His horizons were expanded and he became a learner again, diving into the world of social services, community organizing and government funding…and teaching math at Prestonsburg Community College. His deep love for Kentucky has endured through the years, as he has continued to serve on the Board of Directors and chaired the finance committee for decades.

His religious congregation soon tapped him for leadership; first as Director of Formation for young Brothers, then as District Superior for the American District, which he was appointed to for two terms. Never to be idle, he simultaneously served on the child care staff of Gwynedd House, a home for children operated by the Brothers. His heart expanded even more there.

After serving in leadership, his eyes turned to the homeless. He served in two shelter programs, and was asked to be the director for one of them. This challenged and changed him in many ways.

In 1993, Brother Mike took time off to study and prepare for a new chapter in his life. In 1995 he started his service at Triest Hall, a residential group home program for intellectually disabled adults. Overcoming his initial trepidation, he became a natural for this assignment, one that he would love and cherish in his heart, until his last breath.

During his 60 years as a Brother of Charity, Brother Mike would serve his religious congregation as a District councilor, General Chapter delegate and local Community superior. He will most be remembered for his years as the treasurer, which he fulfilled for nearly 55 years. He steadied the financial ship in nearly every assignment he found himself in. He will be missed for his friendship and support and his compassionate care for everyone he came into contact with.

In addition to his Brothers in religious community, he is survived by his only sibling, his dear sister Marcia Pavia, one niece and two grandnephews and their families.

A visitation will be held Thursday, September 10, 2026, 10:00AM at St. Luke the Evangelist Church, 2316 Fairhill Ave., Glenside, PA 19038. Funeral Mass 11:00AM. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

Donation in his memory may be made to the Brothers of Charity, 7720 Doe Lane, Laverock, PA 19038.