Rev. John J. Leonard, S.J.
Obituary
By Rev. Peter Schineller, S.J.
Rev. John J. Leonard, S.J. died on September 12, at Murray-Weigel Hall,
Bronx, NY. Born on the east side of Manhattan on June 5, 1920 of Michael and
Ella (Graham) Leonard, he was 95 years old. He attended St. Ignatius Grammar
School and Regis High School, and then entered the Society of Jesus on
September 7, 1937 at the Novitiate of St. Isaac Jogues, Wernersville, PA.
Following his studies there, he studied Philosophy at Woodstock College,
Woodstock, MD (1941-44).
He was assigned to Fordham Prep in 1944 to teach Latin, English,
Religion and Mathematics. He also worked with the Prep Dramatic Society.
Because of his interest in theatre and his talent as an electrician, he was asked
to revive the Fordham University Mimes and Mummers, a campus theater
company.
Following his Regency, he returned to studies and the path to ordination,
studying theology at Woodstock College from 1947-51. He was ordained a priest
on June 18, 1950 at Woodstock College and after his final year of formation,
Tertianship, at Auriesville, NY, he returned to Fordham Prep in 1952.
Continuing with his contribution to dramatics, in the 1960’s he successfully
petitioned the Jesuit superiors in Rome to include girls in the theater
productions.
As a priest, for nearly 30 years he celebrated Sunday Mass at St. Denis
Church in Hopewell Junction, NY. He also started the daily Mass at Fordham
Prep in 1972. In 1974 he started the Engaged Encounter Program in the
Archdiocese of NY.
His Jesuit apostolic life, before and since ordination has been in the Bronx
at Fordham Prep. In addition to his contribution to dramatics, he also served at
times as Dean of Studies, Alumni Chaplain, Director of the 3-3 Program, and
Moderator of the Mother’s Club. In his honor, in gratitude for his years of
dedication, the Leonard Theatre of Fordham Prep was named after him.
Due to failing health, he was assigned to the Jesuit infirmary, MurrayWeigel Hall for his final years. Christian Wake keeping is at the Murray-Weigel
Hall Chapel on Tuesday, September 15, and the Mass of Christian Burial on
Wednesday at 10:30 AM at the University Church. Burial is at the Jesuit
Cemetery in Auriesville, NY.