The Rev. Ambrose Kenneth Phillips TOR

Conception, USA, died Friday in Altoona. Father Ambrose was born in Barnesboro, the child of Michael and Mary Elizabeth (Panaro). He was given the name Kenneth at Baptism.

Father Ambrose entered the Franciscan Preparatory Seminary, Hollidaysburg, in 1963 and professed Solemn Vows on June 29, 1969. He was ordained to the priesthood on Sept. 25, 1971, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington D.C.

Father Ambrose served the Church and the Franciscan Community in a variety of ministries. In the Diocese of Saint Cloud, Minn., he was chaplain and director of pastoral care at St. Otto’s Home and St. Gabriel’s Hospital and instructor at St. Francis High School, all on the campus of the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minn. He also served as an instructor at James Barry Robinson High School,

Norfolk, Va., in the Diocese of Richmond. In 1979, Father Ambrose earned his accreditation as a mental health chaplain and ministered at St. Elizabeth Hospital and Georgetown University Hospital, both in the

Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. In 1985, he was hired by the St. Luke Institute, Silver Spring, Md., as a psychotherapist. In October 2025, he was recognized by St. Luke’s for 40 years of dedicated and distinguished service. Father Ambrose also served his Franciscan Community as director of formation, and more recently as a member of the Provincial Council. In October 2025, he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of stomach cancer that caused him to retire from his position at St. Luke’s and return to St. Bernardine Monastery, Hollidaysburg, where he was residing at the time of his death.

Father Ambrose enjoyed gardening and had a deep appreciation for the beauty found in nature. One of his favorite places to spend time was the National Arboretum in Washington, D.C. He especially enjoyed it when the azaleas were in bloom each spring. He also enjoyed the theater and opera, and it was not uncommon for him to burst into a favorite aria while seated at the kitchen table! In the course of his four decades at St. Luke’s, he assisted many priests and religious to recover their health and regain a sense of self worth. He was a kind and gentle man who greeted others with a broad smile and warm embrace.

Father Ambrose was preceded in death by his parents; and older brother, Michael.

He is survived by his sister, Marilyn (Louis) Tyler; a sister-in-law, Mary Ann Phillips and her children; many cousins and friends; and his Franciscan Community.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, at the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Altoona, and conclude with a Vigil Service.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, at the church, with the Very Rev. Father Frank Scornaienchi TOR, Minister Provincial, as the principal celebrant. Interment will take place after Mass in the Community Cemetery at St. Bernardine Monastery, Hollidaysburg. A luncheon will follow at the Monastery.

Arrangements are by Santella Funeral Home.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Franciscan Friars’ Retirement Fund, P.O. Box 139, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648.

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