What started out as a stop-over visit to St. Nicholas Parish in Millvale in 1955 by the Rev. Romildo Hrboka turned out to be a lifelong commitment. Rev. Hrboka was on his way to an assignment in Brazil when, as a provincial commissary of Croatian Franciscans, he decided to visit the Croatian community at St. Nicholas Church, said Jan Hanna, whose aunt, Theresa Horvatich, became and remained his housekeeper. The Most Rev. Romildo Hrboka, of Millvale, pastor of St. Nicholas Parish, Millvale, died Thursday, July 26, 2007, at UPMC St. Margaret, Aspinwall. He was 86. "The pastor convinced him to stay," Hanna said. "He baptized and confirmed me and officiated at my wedding." Rev. Hrboka was ordained June 12, 1945. In 1956, Rev. Hrboka was appointed assistant pastor at St. Nicholas and in 1966 as pastor, Hanna said. Born in Zman, Dugi Otok, Croatia, Rev. Hrboka was one of three children of Rikard and Marija Morovic Hrboka. His father was a merchant seaman. Rev. Hrboka was regarded by his parishioners and his students at what was then Mount Mercy College, now Carlow University in Oakland, as the eternal professor, whose poignant lectures on Catholic doctrine are still remembered by his students. "Father Romildo read, wrote and spoke in many languages," said Hanna, who said he used to help her with her French lessons in college. Family and friends will be received from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. today and 8 until 11 a.m. Monday at St. Nicholas Church, where a concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated, with Bishop William J. Winter officiating. Interment will follow in St. Nicholas Cemetery, Reserve. Arrangements are being handled by Walter J. Zalewski Funeral Home Inc., Lawrenceville.

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