Alvin J. Adams

Alvin J. Adams, a priest of the Diocese of Pittsburgh for more than five decades, died on June 5, 2026, at the age of 85. 

Alvin was born on July 7, 1940, in Homestead, Pennsylvania, the oldest son of Joseph and Margaret (Moskel) Adams. He was raised in Whitaker, where his Catholic faith took root at a young age. He enjoyed playing baseball both in grade school and high school, particularly as a catcher. If it rained, they played pinochle. 

Alvin attended Whitaker Elementary School and Munhall/St. Michael High Schools before pursuing his priestly formation at St. Andrew Seminary and Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint Vincent College in 1963 and a Master of Divinity degree in 1967, and later received a Master of Education degree from Westminster College in 1975. 

Alvin was ordained on May 13, 1967, by Bishop John Wright at Saint Paul Cathedral in Pittsburgh and was incardinated into the Diocese of Pittsburgh on the same day. 

His first assignments included as Parochial Vicar at St. Canice Parish in Pittsburgh, St. Joseph the Worker Parish in New Castle, and Saint Paul Cathedral Parish in Oakland. He then devoted many years to Catholic education ministering to generations of students, faculty, and families. He served as Assistant Principal and later Headmaster of Mon Valley Catholic High School and later Chaplain at Bishop Canevin High School. During that time, he also served as Administrator Pro-Tem of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Pittsburgh and later served for more than a decade as Administrator of St. Rita Parish in Munhall. Following parish restructuring, he became Pastor of both St. Rita Parish and Resurrection Parish. He later served as Pastor of Ascension Parish in Pittsburgh before retiring. 

Throughout his priesthood, Alvin was known for his dedication of Catholic education, parish ministry, and pastoral care. His nearly 60 years of priestly service touched countless lives throughout the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

In addition to his parish work, Alvin was active as a volunteer fireman at St. Vincent College, Whitaker Fire Co and many other local fire companies. He served as chaplain for many of these companies. 

May he rest in the peace of Christ whom he served so faithfully. 

He is survived by his loving brother, Clement (Eleanor) Adams; and cherished nieces, Kristin (Jeffrey) Kroniser, Kimberly (Kyle) Labowski, and Kathryn (Devon) Chambers; and grand-nieces and nephews: Lauralei, Michael, and Natalie Kroniser, Isabelle, Ilana, and Ilyssa Labowski, and Ellie and Declan Chambers. 

Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, June 10, 2-4 & 6-8 PM at the SAVOLSKIS-WASIK-GLENN FUNERAL HOME, INC., 3501 Main Street, Munhall, PA 15120. A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, June 11, 10 AM, at the St. Therese of Lisieux Church of the St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Munhall. Internment will follow at St. Michael Catholic Cemetery, West Mifflin.

Condolences may be left at www.swgfuneralhome.com

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