Msgr. Harry Schlitt

Father Harry George Schlitt of San Francisco passed away peacefully at his home on Thanksgiving, Nov. 24, 2022.

Harry was born in Cape Girardeau on June 3, 1939, the youngest child of the late William and Theckla Dirnberger Schlitt. He left school after the eighth grade and at the age of just 13 entered Cardinal Glennon College, a Catholic St. Louis area seminary. He was one of just two men chosen from his class to attend Pontifical North American College in Rome, Italy, representing the newly created Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. A friend of the family doctor paid for his schooling and expenses for all four years of college. On Dec. 16, 1964, surrounded by his siblings and friends, he was ordained a priest in the Vatican at St. Peter's. He was named monsignor July 15, 2000.

He returned to Missouri to start a ministry that led him from teaching high school to the pulpit and onto the airwaves in 1968. He was a "rock and roll priest" DJ, hosting a wildly popular Top 40 call-in show for teens -- in a town with a Catholic population of just 5%. "Father Harry, the pop art Pad' with the mod body from the God Squad" engaged young people by connecting rock with Christian teachings. His remarkable success led to stints in radio and TV in Chicago, Las Vegas and San Francisco. He then spent 20 years broadcasting via the Armed Forces Radio and Television Network and ABC radio network, and he was a part of the Catholic National Telecommunications Network for five years where he became a New York Giants fan. He interviewed legendary musicians and rubbed elbows with everyone from politicians to the less fortunate. He just loved being with people, no matter their backgrounds.

He served various roles for the Archdiocese of San Francisco including director of communications, director and chaplain of the Newman Center, SFSU, moderator of the Curia, Vicar General and Vicar for Administration. He also served at Sacred Heart Parish, SF, Saint Veronica Parish, SSF, Holy Name of Jesus Parish and was former pastor at Saint Gabriel Parish. He was also an interim administrator at St. Raymond Parish, Menlo Park, Most Holy Redeemer Parish, SF, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, SF, and St. Philip the Apostle Parish, SF. Most recently resided at St. Vincent de Paul Parish the last seven years. He also celebrated mass every week, in retirement at St. Vincent's School for Boys, San Rafael, as well as volunteering for Catholic Charities.

He has been the speaker for the Academy of Art University's graduation ceremonies since 2010. He was approachable, motivating and inspiring to so many.

Harry was predeceased by his brothers, Charlie (Mary) Schlitt and John Schlitt; and is survived by his sister, Odila "Della" Darling and sister-in-law, Betty Dumas. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. He was always the favorite uncle.

He performed countless marriage ceremonies, baptisms and funerals for his family.

Harry loved sports. He was an avid handball player, a huge fan of Notre Dame, a radio, TV and media personality and so much more. He loved to go fishing. He went to Alaska five times, being dropped off in the wilderness to enjoy fishing. He held a world record for water skiing from Cape Girardeau to St. Louis. He was an author -- read his books, "I'll Never Tell: Odyssey of a Rock & Roll Priest" and "I'll Never Know: The Rock & Roll Priest Looks at 80." These books will give insight to the amazing man that he was. His fatherharry.org website has more information. He was loved by many and will be forever in our hearts and souls.

Friends may visit after 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, at Cathedral of St Mary the Assumption, 1111 Gough Street (at Geary Blvd), San Francisco, where a vigil service will be held at 6:30 p.m.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 12, at the Cathedral. Interment will be at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, Colma.

Donations may be made in his memory to the San Francisco Archdiocese Priest Retirement Fund, 1 Peter Yorke Way, San Francisco, CA 94109.