Early this morning, our confrere, Father Robert, died peacefully in his sleep after a long battle with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Father Robert was born in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, in 1926. Before joining our monastic community in 1948, he bravely served his country in the United States Army Air Corps in World War II. Following the war, Father Robert was among the many men; including, his brother Austin Velten, who joined religious life here at Saint Leo Abbey. Robert professed his simple vows in 1949, and later his solemn vows in 1952, and was ordained a priest for the monastic community in 1954.

Within the monastic community, Father Robert served as Novice Master and later in the Abbey prep school as headmaster, teacher, football, basketball, and track coach, requiring nothing less than excellence from his pupils. Within Saint Leo College, Father Robert served as Administrative Vice President and Dean of Students.

Father Robert lived in Newport, Kentucky for some time, and he served in several parishes and taught math in the public school system for more than 25 years. Following his return to the Abbey in the 1990s, Robert served the community as Prior. He was later elected to serve the community as an administrator for two years before the election of Abbot Isaac Camacho, OSB.

Father Robert is survived by an extensive family whom he loved dearly. All of them remember their "Uncle Robert" who always entertained his nephews, nieces, and great-nephews, by singing for them.

As we remember him, may he remember us in the presence of the Lord.

Abbott Isaac Camacho, OSB, and the monastic community will receive the body of Father Robert on Monday, June 15th, at 7:00 pm and will celebrate the Funeral Mass on Tuesday, June 16th, at 10:00 am. All liturgies will be celebrated in the Saint Leo Abbey Church.

All are welcome, and our guests will be required to follow our Abbey health guidelines by washing their hands before entering the church, practicing social distancing when sitting in the designated pews, and wearing a face-covering.

Saint Leo Abbey Church

Saint Leo Abbey Church