‘To walk humbly with your God’

Remembering Father Leo O’Brien, a diocesan priest for 70 years

Father Leo Patrick O’Brien, an Albany diocesan Catholic priest for 70 years, died on March 18 at Teresian House in Albany. He was 94 years old. (Provided photo)

Father Leo Patrick O’Brien, an Albany diocesan Catholic priest for 70 years, died on March 18 at Teresian House in Albany. He was 94 years old.

The son of Harold and Anna O’Brien, Father Leo was born April 22, 1931, in Troy.  A 1947 graduate of Catholic Central High School, he began his studies for the priesthood in 1948 at St. Charles College in Catons­ville, Md., continued his studies at St. Bernard’s Seminary in Rochester, and completed his studies in 1956 at the Theological College of the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. He was ordained in the spring of 1956.

Father Leo’s first assignment was to St. Paul the Apostle in Schenectady. Forever grateful that his pastor was Father Robert Cronin, Father Leo spent eight years at St. Paul’s growing every day in his understanding of parish work. He was instrumental in developing a vital youth program, in serving as chaplain of the Christian Family Movement, and promoting the opening of two Catholic high schools, Notre Dame and Bishop Gibbons.

In 1964, Father Leo was assigned to the Chancery Office in Albany, serving as vice-chancellor, then in 1966, he was named chancellor, and in 1970 he was elevated to vicar general. While serving the Diocese in these capacities, he loved connecting with the students of Vincentian Institute and parishioners from St. Vincent de Paul Parish by saying daily Mass at the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in Vincentian Institute.  

In 1972, Father O’Brien was appointed pastor of St. Vincent’s Parish in Albany, while continuing to maintain the role of vicar general. He was back to his first love — parish work and life. His priorities in building a thriving parish were strong liturgical celebrations, a vibrant music ministry, faith formation programs and a social justice conscience. 

In the Diocese, he served as spiritual director of the Cursillo Movement and was a leader in Residents Encounter Christ, a prison ministry program that served seven state prisons. He also was an active member in the International Renew Program. Along with Sister Joan Byrne, Father Leo served as a major catalyst in repurposing Vincentian Institute into senior housing and establishing DePaul Housing Management, now a major senior housing program in the Diocese.

Father Leo retired from St. Vincent’s in 2006 and moved to the Avila Retirement Home where he served as chaplain. While at Avila, he continued his engagement in the Ecumenical and Interfaith Community and also served as sacramental minister for a few years at St. James Church in Albany. For his own personal growth, he took up the study of Hebrew and also became a master at jigsaw puzzles.

“Father Leo O’Brien was my pastor before he was my brother priest and how blessed am I in that,” said Father Robert Longobucco, Vicar General for the Diocese. “He took such delight in sharing the love of Christ. When you saw Jesus reflected in the twinkle of his Irish eyes, you knew you were blessed indeed. He dedicated his life to sharing the good news and he did so by living the Gospel joyfully. I am a better priest and a better man for having Father Leo O’Brien in my life."

During his life, Father Leo enjoyed traveling. He spent time in Ireland, Israel and Italy and loved his summers on Martha’s Vineyard and the Cape. He relished the chance to play golf especially with his brothers and brother-in-law at Seaview Golf Resort. One of his favorite places to totally relax was near the Village of Tomhannock at his country home known as “The Ranch,” a small house on the land that was the site of his mother’s family home. 

Father Leo always sought to grow further in his understanding of life and his faith. He spent several summers studying at Notre Dame University. He was also an avid reader, both popular texts and texts about the faith. He continued to bring his thinking into the concrete world by being active in the Catholic Committee on Urban Ministry.

Humble and committed, Father Leo throughout his life tried his best to emulate the work of Jesus, reaching out to all and sharing Jesus’ message of hope and love.

Father Leo is survived by his sister Rose Mary (Colin) Nadeau of Lakewood Ranch, Fla., his brother Paul (Deborah) of Niskayuna, his brother John of Waltham, Mass.; his nieces Kathryn, Mary, Carolyn, Colleen, Siobhan and Caitlin; and his nephews Daniel and Eamon. He is also survived by a number of grand nieces and nephews and a wide circle of family and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial was to be held at St. Vincent’s in Albany on March 25. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Parish, 900 Madison Ave., Albany, or the Bishop’s Appeal of the Albany Diocese to support Bishop Mark’s vision for the future of the Diocese. 

The family is grateful to Patti Jarvis and Lillian Dandrow as well as the Touching Hearts Service for their assistance to Father Leo while he lived at Avila and to the staff of the Rehabilitation Floor at Teresian House for providing kind and compassionate care to Father Leo in his final few weeks.