Fr. David Kohut, OFM, 74, dies in Cincinnati

Fr. David Kohut, OFM, 74, of St. Clement Friary in Cincinnati, passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 3, 2026, at Seven Acres Senior Living. During 51 years as a friar, he accompanied the faithful at retreat houses, parishes and spiritual centers. He also served his brother friars in various leadership roles.

Gifted with a beautiful singing voice and known for homilies that moved hearts, Fr. David met many of life’s challenges with faith, courage and a deep love for his brothers in fraternity.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Fr. David was born April 26, 1952, in Reading, Pennsylvania, to Joseph and Cecilia (Zielomski) Kohut, and had three siblings. A child of Ukrainian and Polish immigrants, his father was a custodian and his mother a seamstress in Reading, where Fr. David attended St. Mary’s Elementary School and Reading Central Catholic High School.

He spent a year at Immaculate Conception College in Troy, New York, before later earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy from Duns Scotus College in Southfield, Michigan, in 1974. He joined the Order of Friars Minor that year, and made his first profession on May 31, 1975, in Oldenburg, Indiana. After a year at St. Leonard College in Centerville, Ohio, he studied at Washington (D.C.) Theological Union for three years, and made his solemn profession on May 27, 1978, in Easton, Pennsylvania. He was ordained on June 2, 1979 at St. Mary’s Church in Reading.

He was originally a member of the Vice Province of the Most Holy Savior. It was a small province, and as its numbers dwindled to fewer than 20 men, it merged with the legacy St. John the Baptist Province, which became part of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe in 2023.

After ordination, he became an instructor at Bishop Noll Institute in Valparaiso, Indiana (1979 to 1982). Then, he began a dual role as an instructor at Calumet College in Valparaiso (until 1983) and Marquette High in Michigan City, Indiana (until 1985).

During these years in Indiana, he also served as regional spiritual assistant to the Secular Franciscan Order at Seven Dolors Shrine, walking alongside Secular Franciscans helping them deepen their faith and live the Gospel in the spirit of St. Francis. He also became director of shrine activities at Seven Dolors (1983 to 1985). Fr. David then returned to Washington (D.C.) Theological Union to complete his Master of Arts degree in theology.

He then spent nearly 20 years in Pennsylvania, first as retreat director at St. Francis Retreat House in Easton (1985 to 1992), as well as guardian (1986 to 1988) and vicar (1989 to 1992) of the local friary. During that time, he was appointed to the Provincial Council of the Vice Province of the Most Holy Savior, serving from 1988 to 1992.

The retreat house, open to people of all denominations to recharge spiritually, was a particular passion for Fr. David. In an interview for “The Morning Call,” in 1986, he said the mission was to renew people’s “spirituality with the Lord Jesus Christ.”

“When they come here to make a retreat, we want them to think of this as their spiritual home,” he said. “What I’ve been impressed by is the expression of faith by them. It has added to my faith.”

From 1992 to 2000, he lived in Pittsburgh while serving in various leadership roles for the vice province: as vicar provincial and treasurer (1992 to 1995), director of personnel (1993 to 1995), and provincial minister (1995 to 2000). He continued to serve as spiritual assistant for the Secular Franciscans (1992 to 1995) and in evangelization ministry (2002 to 2004).

He moved to Houma, Louisiana, to become vicar and associate pastor of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary from 2004 to 2006. In 2007, he moved to St. Clare Friary in Cincinnati and served as vicar, helping guide community life while also assisting in its ministry and daily operations. He became pastor of St. Francis Seraph Church, Cincinnati, in 2013, serving until 2020 before retiring.

He wrote about his lifelong devotion to St. Anthony and how it led him to Franciscan life. He was known by his fellow friars as a proficient cook who loved to prepare delicious soup recipes.

Fr. David is survived by his brothers of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe, as well as several nieces and nephews who are going to miss him dearly.