LYDEN, Father Dennis Patrick, a retired priest and a member of the presbyterate of the Diocese of Steubenville, died at Wheeling Hospital in Wheeling, WV on Friday, March 9, 2012 from complications from pneumonia after being hospitalized since December 29, 2011 for heart bypass surgery. He was 74 years old.

In honoring Father Lyden's request, there will be no visitation. He will lie in state at St. Joseph Church in Fairpoint, Ohio on Wednesday, March 14 beginning at 9:00 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Liturgy with Mass at 11:00 a.m. Monsignor Thomas Petronek, his lifelong friend will be the celebrant and homilist, assisted by Father Thomas Graven, pastor of St. Joseph Church. Burial will take place at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Bellaire, Ohio.

Father Lyden was born August 9, 1937 in Steubenville, Ohio, the son of Joseph P. and Margaret Littleton Lyden. In addition to his parents, Father Lyden was preceded in death by his brother Terry Lyden. Surviving are his brother John J. Lyden and his wife Charlotte of California, his brother Joseph R. Lyden and his wife Debbie of Lafferty, his sister Catherine Weekley and her husband William of St. Clairsville, and his beloved Welsh Corgi and best buddy, Dombey. Several nieces and nephews, cousins, and countless friends also survive.

He attended St. John Grade School in Bellaire. He entered St. John Vianney Seminary in Bloomingdale at the age of 14 and attended high school, college and theology there. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree at The College of Steubenville. He was ordained by Bishop John King Mussio on May 23, 1963 at Sacred Heart Church in Pomeroy.

Father Lyden's first assignment was as instructor at St. John Vianney Seminary and as assistant to the director of TV and radio work in the diocese, especially the television program "The Greatest of These." He later served as director of that apostolate. In 1966 he began studies at Catholic University of America, where he earned a Master of Arts degree in English literature. In April of 1968 he resumed his assignment as instructor at St. John Vianney Seminary. Although he served in other capacities, his first love was education and instruction. Other assignments included chaplain for the Daughters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Associate Editor of the Steubenville Register (July, 1972 to March, 1978), Chaplain for the Knights of Columbus Council No. 4590 of Hopedale (1973) and chaplain pro tem for the Sisters of Our Lady of Charity in Carrollton (1982-1983). His parish assignments included assistant at St. Gabriel, Minerva from October 1978 through December 1979 and assistant at Holy Name Cathedral, December 1979. Father Lyden was medically retired in June of 1987 and continued his residence at St. Joseph rectory in Fairpoint, where he assisted Father Graven. Living at St. Joseph's was very fulfilling for Father Lyden and gave him great joy knowing and interacting with the parishioners there. He was a very humble man with a great sense of humor and was much loved by those who knew him. He had an ardent devotion to St. Padre Pio and was a Benedictine Oblate.

Father Lyden was a true friend to everyone and a great animal lover, contributing regularly to the Belmont County Animal Shelter. He and his sister Catherine were not only siblings but great friends, spending time eating and shopping together every Friday for many years. He had an avid admiration of the British Empire and tremendously enjoyed Scottish bagpipe music. He and his sister and brother Joe made several trips to the annual September Scottish Highland Games at Ligonier, Pennsylvania where Father was in his glory being surrounded by dozens of bagpipe bands, highland dancing, and various Celtic activities. Father loved Shakespeare, poetry, and classical music. He wrote poetry and prose to share with his close friends for many years, and took great joy and pride in preparing his homilies for Mass.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Father Lyden's memory to the Belmont County Animal Shelter.

Arrangements entrusted to Toothman Funeral Home in St. Clairsville.