The Reverend Joseph F. Tobias, MSC

The Reverend Joseph F. Tobias, MSC, 85, a member of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, passed away on Monday, November 2, 2026, in the care of Holy Family Senior Living.

He was born January 14, 1941, in Reading, PA, to the late Joseph and Elizabeth (Shimkanon) Tobias. He is the third child of three boys and four girls. He graduated from SS. Cyril & Methodius Parochial School, Reading, PA, in 1954. In the fall of that year, he entered Sacred Heart Mission Seminary in Geneva, IL, where Fr. Joe completed four years of secondary education and one year of college. In 1959, he transferred to the novitiate in Youngstown, OH, making first profession of vows in 1960. He continued his studies for the priesthood at Sacred Heart Seminary, Shelby, OH, making perpetual profession of vows in 1963. In the summer of 1967, he carried on additional studies with the Franciscan community, Rocky River, OH, affiliated with Quincy College in Teutopolis, IL.

Fr. Joe was ordained a priest by Bp. George J. Rehring, D.D., at Shelby, OH, on Dec. 17, 1966. His first assignment was as parochial vicar at Holy Family Parish, Nazareth, PA. In 1969, he was appointed to the retreat and preaching ministry at the former MSC community in Oceanside, CA. From 1968-70, he was retreat master at Sacred Heart Retreat and Renewal Center in Youngstown, OH. In the summer of 1968, he began post-graduate studies at Fordham University, Queens, NY. He subsequently continued these studies while conducting ministry at Boston College, Boston, MA; Seattle University, Seattle, WA; and San Diego University, San Diego, CA. From 1970-74, he was campus minister at the Newman Center and gave retreats in San Diego. He was assigned as parochial vicar at St. Francis Parish, Warwick, RI, from 1974-76, and then as parochial vicar at Holy Family Parish in Nazareth, PA. From 1978-82, he served as superior of the MSC Community and gave retreats in Youngstown, OH. In 1982, he became superior of the MSC community in Center Valley, PA, and director of the college seminary. While in Center Valley, he also directed days of recollection for the laity and gave retreats at St. Joseph's Retreat in Malvern, PA. He was transferred to Aurora, IL, as province vocation director, in 1987. In 1990, he became chairperson of the provincial formation board, a position which he held until his appointment as pastor of St. John the Baptist Parish, Ottsville, PA, a parish the MSC have administered since 1906.

He later became pastor of Holy Family parish in Nazareth, PA. He retired in Center Valley, PA., July 27, 2020.

His hobbies included sports, music, horticulture, and current events.

Left to treasure his memory are his brothers and sisters: Elizabeth, widow of Robert Smith; Frank, husband of Susan Tobias; Mary Ann, wife of Paul Kershner; and Joan, wife of Joseph Noll; nieces and nephews: Daniel (Donna), Denise (Ian), Michael (Julie), Matthew (Susan), Rob, Laura, David (Erin), Ryan (Sarah), Melissa (Andrew), Jeremy (Marlene), and Jennifer (Bruce); and grand nieces and nephews: Joe, Matt (Kristine), Andrew, Jenna, Braden, Emma, Julia, Zach, Lexi, Miles, Zoe, Leo, Ian, Eve, Austin, Jordan, Charlotte, McKenna, Madison, Emily, Hannah, and Caden.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Richard, who is survived by his wife, Carol Tobias, and sister, Dorothy Romani and her husband, Daniel.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Fr. Joseph's memory may be offered to the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (3300 Station Ave, Attn: Fr. Richard Kennedy, MSC, Center Valley, PA 18034). Mass Cards will be available during the viewings.

Friends and family are welcome to gather for viewing and visitation on Friday, November 13, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc, 739 Penn Ave., West Reading, PA 19611. A Prayer Service will be held at 5:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Roman Catholic Church, 449 S 6th St, Reading PA 19602, with committal to follow at Gethsemane Cemetery. Viewing will be held at the church from 9:00 a.m. until 9:45 a.m.

Condolences may be expressed at kuhnfuneralhomes.com.