Leon O’Malley, OFM

1902 – 1988

Br. Leon O’Malley, OFM, was born on Oct. 25, 1902 in New York City. In 1936, he became a tertiary brother at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Manhattan. He entered the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J., in 1937, professing temporary vows one year later. He made his solemn profession in 1941.

He served at several ministries, including those in Brookline, Mass., Loudonville, N.Y., Denver, and New York City. In 1948, Br. Leon returned to the Province’s retreat house in Brookline, where he was stationed until 1959. He was then assigned to Holy Cross Friary in the Bronx, N.Y., where he served as refectorian, cook and porter.

In 1973, he retired to St. Anthony Residence in Boston, where he offered his assistance at nearby St. Anthony Shrine. In 1988, Br. Leon celebrated his golden jubilee with his classmates in New York City.

He died at New England Medical Hospital in Boston on Oct. 4, 1988, a few weeks before his 86th birthday. Br. Leon was a professed friar for 50 years.