Reverend Edwin M. Leonard

The Reverend Edwin M. Leonard Parochial Vicar, St. Columbkille, Parma died on Monday 22 November 2021 while preparing to celebrate Mass.

Edwin M. Leonard was born on 21 July 1956 in Topeka, KS. His parents were the late George Russell Leonard and Ann F. Kennedy. He was educated at St. Anselm College, Manchester, New Hampshire, Ohio State University, Columbus, Borromeo College, Wickliffe and St. Mary Seminary, Cleveland. On 9 June 1984 in the Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist, Bishop Anthony M. Pilla ordained him to the priesthood for the service of the Diocese of Cleveland.

Father Leonard’s first assignment was as Parochial Vicar of St. Mary of the Assumption, Mentor. he was transferred to St. Hilary, Fairlawn to serve as Parochial Vicar. Fr. Leonard was appointed Parochial Vicar of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Wooster. He was transferred to Holy Family, Parma and served there until he was appointed Parochial Vicar of St. John Neumann, Strongsville. he was appointed Administrator, Annunciation, Akron and later named Pastor. Fr. Leonard was appointed Parochial Vicar of St. Charles Borromeo, Parma. In addition to this assignment, Fr. Leonard served as Chaplain of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. He was transferred to St. Sebastian, Akron. He was appointed Parochial Vicar of St. Columbkille, Parma. Fr Leonard loved to teach the faith and to preach homilies that helped the faithful deepen their relationship with the Lord. Fr. Leonard will be remembered for his perseverance despite his physical challenges.

He was the oldest of seven children to Russell and Ann Leonard.  He leaves behind his siblings, Jerome (Melissa) Leonard, Charles Leonard, and, Mary (John) McGill; brother-in-law, John Cunniff; and sister-in-law, Karen Leonard.  Left also to cherish his memory are numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and aunts and uncles.  He was preceded in death by his siblings, Ann Cunniff , David and Sean Leonard and his parents.    

The wake will begin on Monday, 29 November, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. in St. Sebastian Church, 476 Mull Avenue, Akron, Ohio 44320 with Vespers and will continue until 6:00 p.m. Bishop Roger Gries will preside and Fr. Anthony Suso will be the homilist. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated 30 November 2021 in St. Sebastian Church at 10:00 a.m. (please note time change due to Church schedule). Bishop Martin Amos will be the main celebrant and Father Dennis McNeil will be the homilist. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery, Akron.

The Funeral Mass may be livestreamed by visiting:

https://youtu.be/hsvKgVsaQug
 

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