KGO “Fr. Floyd Served As A Passionate Advocate For The Poor”

SAN FRANCISCO, CA Franciscan Father Floyd Lotito, longtime director of many programs at St. Anthony Foundation since 1970, died on July 14th, 2009. He was 74 years old. Equally at home with A-list socialites and the poorest residents of San Francisco, Fr. Lotito was a passionate advocate for the poor throughout his entire life. In San Francisco, he is perhaps best known for his work with St. Anthony Foundation, where he has served in various capacities since 1968. Fr. Floyd affirmed the dignity of each person he met, calling them brother and sister, says St. Anthony Foundation Board President Fr. John Hardin, OFM. He used his incredible gifts of communication, presence, planning and charisma to build relationships with people from the entire community, from politicians, journalists, philanthropists and athletes to those living on the margins of our society. Alfonso Joseph Lotito was born in Los Angeles on July 28, 1934. His father, Joseph, came from a family of shepherds in Bari, Italy. His mother, Filomena Pirri Lotito, was a first generation Californian. He attended Divine Savior Grammar School in Los Angeles, and then won an academic scholarship to Cathedral High School. In 1949 he entered St. Anthony Seminary in Santa Barbara, and entered the Franciscan Order on July 12, 1953, receiving his religious name, Floyd. He was ordained a priest on December 17, 1960. Fr. Lotito received his BA from San Luis Rey College and his Bachelor of Sacred Theology from Old Mission …