Leo Lenihan, OFM

1919 – 1970

Fr. Leo Lenihan, OFM, was born on Oct. 11, 1919 in New York City. He entered St. Joseph’s Seraphic Seminary in Callicoon, N.Y., in 1937 and was received into the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J., in 1940. He professed temporary vows one year later, made his solemn profession in 1944 and was ordained in 1946.

He devoted the 23 years of his Franciscan priesthood to various Provincial ministries. Fr. Leo began as a teacher at St. Joseph’s Seraphic Seminary and at Bishop Timon High School in Buffalo, N.Y. He served as a staff member of ministries in New York and Massachusetts, and as a parochial assistant at St. Stephen of Hungary Parish in New York City, St. Joseph Parish in Winsted, Conn., St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Triangle, Va., St. Mary’s Parish in Pompton Lakes, N.J., and Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in Greenwood Lake, N.J.

He died on Jan. 12, 1970 in Brooklyn, N.Y. Fr. Leo was 50 years old, a professed friar for 28 years and a priest for 23 years.