Father Joseph Leszczynski, a faithful priest of the Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton for nearly 60 years, died peacefully in his sleep on the morning of Wednesday, May 17, at the Edmonton General Hospital in Edmonton.
He will be lovingly remembered by his brother, Frank–semicolon– sister-in-law, Teofila–semicolon– nephews and nieces, Richard, Henry (Mariola), Jasia, (Ken) Langhorn, Halinka Szwender, Andy, Dorothy (Tom) Jedrasik, Ed (Susan) Fred (Cheryl), John (Justine)–semicolon– as well as great nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Father Joseph was predeceased by his parents, Mikolaj and Paulina–semicolon– brother, Karol and sister-in-law, Jadzia.
Father Leszczynski dedicated his entire priestly ministry serving the people of God in parishes across the Archdiocese of Edmonton, including appointments at Holden, Clandonald, Mundare, Viking, Provost, Vegreville and 3 parishes in Edmonton. Before his retirement in 2009, he served for 13 years as Pastor at St. Clare Parish in Edmonton.
The family acknowledges with gratitude the care and compassion offered to Father Joseph during his brief stay at the Mel Miller Palliative Unit at the Edmonton General Hospital.
Vigil Prayers will be held at 7:30 pm on Friday, May 19, 2017 at St. Clare Catholic Church, 6310 – 118 Avenue, Edmonton. A Funeral Mass presided by Most Reverend Richard Smith, Archbishop of Edmonton will take place on Saturday, May 20, 2017 at 10:30 am at St. Edmund Catholic Church, 13120 – 116 Street, Edmonton. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 14611 Mark Messier Trail, Edmonton.
Mykaela Van Soest says
“Fr. Joe” served at our little Polish parish of New Kiew for many years. He ministered my First Eucharist and helped me learn the ropes at altar serving. He was very patient with young and old as they explored the beauty of the Catholic faith. I remember that he always had treats (mostly chocolate) for us kids and he had a contagious laugh. We kept in touch with him over the years and even after a number of years passed, he still knew us as the “kids from Vegreville-ski”. And of course, he also had a great sense of humour!
He will be missed and is in our prayers.
Margaret MacDonald says
Deepest sympathies to all family members
I had the great priviledge of meeting Fr Joe in May 2015 while attending Fr Bill White’s (my Uncle) funeral. He could not have been more welcoming as he toured me around the Villa, especially stopping into their smoking room and showing the system used to butt out the cigarettes. I also enjoyed tasting the homemade cherry wine. Fr Joe at that time was looking forward to the games of FIFA Women’s World Cup. He was a great friend and support of my Uncle.
Prayers & God Bless
The MacDonalds
Allan Wachowich, QC says
Frank Leszczynski
c/o Connelly-McKinley
Dear Frank and Family:
I attended the funeral Mass held for your brother on his passing. I could not let this sad event go by without commenting on the high respect I had for Father Joe ever since we first met at St. Joseph’s High School. He won the respect of all who knew him and he served his parishioners and his Church in a humble and loving manner.
Father Joe is now with our Lord and gained the Peace of Heaven, which he so much deserves.
My condolences to you and the Leszczynski family.
Sincerely,
The Honourable Allan Wachowich, QC
Наталия Порва says
Выражаю свои соболезнования всем близким и родным Отец Джо был великим человеком с огромным и любящим сердцем .Ту любовь которую я получила от семьи Лещиньских будет со мной всегда.Спасибо Господу что подарил мне встречу на моем жизненном пути с таким человеком от Бога.С любовью Наталья.