MISSIONARY OBLATE PRIEST FOR 59 YEARS
Rev. John J. “Jack” Leddy, OMI, 91, died December 1, 2010 at the Dammert Center in Belleville, IL after a lengthy illness. He was born on June 6, 1919, in Detroit, MI, the son of the late Edward F. and Pearl A. (Kenney) Leddy.
Fr. Leddy entered the Oblate novitiate in Tewksbury, MA on August 1, 1942, making his first vows on August 1, 1943. He was educated at Holy Angels in Buffalo, NY and at the House of Philosophy in Newburgh, NY. He was Ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Arsene Turquetil, OMI on August 1, 1951. He later furthered his education, obtaining masters degrees in Library Science and Arts Therapy and was proficient in Latin as well.
His first assignment was teaching at Bishop Fallon High School in Buffalo, NY from 1951-1964. While there, he was a well-respected drama coach and was influential in many Oblate vocations. He was also renowned in the city for his work with young people. For the next ten years, he taught at Bishop Neumann High School in Buffalo, NY and at Oblate College in Washington, D.C.
From 1974 until the late eighties, Fr. Leddy was pastor at several parishes, St. Anne’s in Sumter, SC, being one of his parishes. During his time in Sumter he was elected to serve on the Priests’ Senate. He was pastor at St. Catherine’s in Copperhill, TN; St. Mary’s in Washington, GA and St. Mary’s in Athens, TN. His last assignment was to the National Shrine in Washington, DC where he was spiritual director. In 2003, at the age of 84, he retired and moved to Our Lady of the Snows Apartment Community in Belleville, IL.
Fr. Leddy is survived by three sisters, Marilyn, Terese “Lolly” (Charles, deceased) Sablack, Mary Margaret (Richard, deceased) Scott and two brothers, James P. (Joan) and William M. (Kim Bissett). He was also the loving uncle of 10 and great uncle of 20. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by three brothers, Raymond, Robert and Thomas.
Following visitations at Jakubs & Son Funeral Home in Cleveland, OH, on Sunday, December 5 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm, Fr. Leddy’s remains will be transported to Massachusetts for services at his final resting place. The McKenna-Ouellette Funeral Home, 327 Hildreth Street, Lowell is in charge of arrangements.
Services and calling hours will be in the Chapel at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Residence, 486 Chandler Street, Tewksbury MA. Calling hours will be on Friday, December 10, 2010 from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 pm with a Prayer Service at 7:30 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 11, 2010. Burial will take place in the Oblate cemetery at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Residence and Infirmary.
There will be a memorial Mass at 11:15 am on December 16 at the Dammert Center in Belleville, IL.
Donations in memory of Fr. Leddy may be made to the Oblate Infirmary Fund, 486 Chandler Street, Tewksbury, MA 01876-2849.
To all Bishop Fallon High School & H.A.C.I. Aumni:
The Bishop Fallon High School & H.A.C.I. Alumni Association will celebrate four (4) events for the year 2011.