Born in St. Louis on November 28, 1897, Brother Leo got to know the Marianists at SS. Peter and Paul Grade School and left after eighth grade for three years of postulate at Chaminade. He professed his first vows in the Society of Mary on September 12, 1915, at Ferguson, Missouri.

 

His first teaching assignment was at St. Michael's School in Chicago, Illinois. That was the beginning of a teaching career that spanned fifty years and took him to many schools in many cities. From 1928 - 31, he was Principal at St. Mary's University High School in San Antonio, Texas; from 1936 - 41 he was professor of history at St. Mary's University in San Antonio; from 1943 - 48, he was principal of Central Catholic High School (Assumption High School) in East St. Louis, Illinois. Brother Leo's other assignments over the years included Dyersville, Iowa (1919 - 20); Victoria, Texas (1920 - 25); Detroit, Michigan (1942 - 43). He was assigned for three different periods to Chicago (1916 - 19, 1925 - 26, and 1931 - 36); during the last of these he earned his Master's Degree in History at Loyola University.

 

For many years he was a school and community treasurer. In his later years, he served as long-standing moderator of the St. Mary's Father's Club. Besides teaching and administration, he served at one time or another as a coach of all major sports and moderator of extra-curricular activities concerned with music, instrumental and vocal. He himself was a talented violinist and kept in practice until the end of his life.

 

In the province, Brother Leo is warmly remembered for his family spirit and his dedication to our high school work, even after his retirement. His last years were troubled with a painful and debilitating illness, but even in the midst of this he struggled, with success, to attain cheerfulness and serenity, a lively interest in events around him, and a keen sense of humor.

 

-Marianist Markings
December 15, 1982