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The Rev. Leonard John Blostic TOR, of the Third Order Regular Franciscans of the Province of the Immaculate Conception, U.S.A., died Tuesday in Hollidaysburg. Father Leonard was born in Cokeburg, the child of Michael and Eva (Skavinsky) Blostic.
He was given the name John at baptism. Father Leonard entered the Franciscan Preparatory Seminary, Hollidaysburg, in 1954 and professed Solemn Vows on June 26, 1959. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 8, 1963, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C.
Father Leonard served the Church and the Franciscan community in a variety of ministries. In the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, he was an assistant chaplain at Garvey Manor, Hollidaysburg, and an instructor at the Franciscan Preparatory Seminary, Hollidaysburg, and Bishop Carroll High School, Ebensburg. He also served as an instructor in the Diocese of Richmond, Va., at James Barry Robinson High School, Norfolk, and in the Diocese of Youngstown, Ohio, at John F. Kennedy High School, Warren.
In his later years, he served as Parochial Vicar in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown at the former St. Anthony Parish, Johnstown, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Altoona, and in the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, W.Va., at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Stonewood. Father Leonard also served the Province Mission in Paraguay by preaching Mission Appeals throughout the United States.
In recent years, he was in residence at St. Bernardine Monastery and, at the time of his death, at Garvey Manor, both in Hollidaysburg.
Those who knew him remember Father Leonard as a gentle and prayerful spirit, always ready to extend a smile and a blessing. Having grown up in a large family, he was an able cook and accomplished baker, often filling the friaries he lived in with the aroma of breads, pies, cakes and other goodies. Father Leonard also made hand-crafted pottery and had a great appreciation for the arts. As an instructor, he was always prepared for his classes and was admired and respected by students and faculty alike.
Father Leonard was preceded in death by his parents and 16 brothers and sisters.
He is survived by two sisters, Sister Eve Blostic, OSF, and Sister Wanda Blostic, OCD; and a brother, Edward (Kathy) Blostic; many nieces, nephews, dear friends and his Franciscan community.
Visitation, concluding with a Vigil Service, will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, at the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Altoona.
On Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, there will be a funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. at the church with the Very Rev. Father Frank Scornaienchi, TOR, Minister Provincial, as the principal celebrant. Interment will take place after Mass at the Community Cemetery at St. Bernardine Monastery, Hollidaysburg. A luncheon will follow at the Monastery.
Arrangements are by Santella Funeral Home.
Memorial gifts in Father Leonard's memory may be made to the Franciscan Friars' Retirement Fund, P.O. Box 139, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648.
santellafuneralhome.com