April 30, 2019

Father Leo J. Hoar, longtime campus minister, has died at 78

REGIONAL

SPRINGFIELD – Father Leo J. Hoar, well-known for his ministry on local college campuses, died on April 28. He was 78 years old.

A native of the former Holy Cross Parish in Holyoke, he was the son of Thomas F. and Helen (O’Sullivan) Hoar and was born on June 22, 1940 in Holyoke. He studied classics and theology at St. Anselm’s College in Manchester, N.H., and completed his theological studies at The Catholic University in Washington, D.C.

He was ordained by Springfield Bishop Christopher J. Weldon at St. Michael’s Cathedral in Springfield on May 14, 1966.

Father Hoar served as an assistant at the former Holy Family Parish in Holyoke; the former St. Matthew Parish in Indian Orchard; and the former St. Patrick Parish in Chicopee. He also was a part-time faculty member at the former Notre Dame High School in Springfield from 1971-1973. He then served as director of Notre Dame High School and Sacred Heart Elementary from 1973-1977. Also in 1977, he received a doctoral degree in education from the University of Massachusetts.

He served in campus ministry from 1977-2007 at Holyoke Community College in Holyoke; and at American International College, Springfield College, and Springfield Technical Community College in Springfield.

His diocesan positions included appointments to the Ministry to Priests Program and a three-year term on the Liturgical Commission.

Father Hoar went on sick leave in December 2005 and retired on June 22, 2010. At his request, all funeral services will be held on Cape Cod at the convenience of his family.