Monsignor Patrick R. Leary

Monsignor Patrick R. Leary, CEO of Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada, passed away Friday, Dec. 7, 2012, at age 63. Msgr. Leary was born March 21, 1949 in Buffalo, N.Y. He graduated from St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute and Niagara University. He was ordained a Priest of the Congregation of St. Paul May 15, 1976. As a Paulist Priest, Msgr. Leary served in San Francisco at Old St. Mary's Cathedral, worked in the refugee camps in Hong Kong, learned Cantonese and then returned to San Francisco as director of St. Mary's Chinese School. Then, in 1989, he worked in the Diocese of Reno-Las Vegas as Chaplain of the Newman Center of UNLV and Chaplain for the Carmelite Sisters. In 1994, he was incardinated into the Diocese of Reno-Las Vegas, formally becoming a Diocesan Priest. Under Bishop Daniel Walsh, Monsignor served as Vicar General for the Diocese of Las Vegas, Rector of the Shrine of the Most Holy Redeemer, and Diocesan administrator. He became a Monsignor when he was conferred with the title of Prelate of Honor to His Holiness, Pope John Paul II in 1998. Msgr. Leary's final assignment, as CEO of Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada, began in 2003 under Bishop Joseph Pepe. With Msgr. Leary's guidance, Catholic Charities thrived and grew in its abilities to help those in need with care, dignity, and respect. He was a brilliant leader who made immense contributions to the community and was held in high esteem by all who knew him. He was the beloved son of the late Lois Leary Paxson and her surviving husband, William. He is also survived by his brother, Michael Leary (Patricia); sister, Lynne George (William); nephew, Scott Leary; niece, Beth Duggan (Jonathan); niece, Elizabeth George; grandnephew, Colin Duggan; and grandniece, Elle Duggan. Funeral Mass will be Saturday, Dec. 15. Other events will be announced to honor his life and legacy. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Monsignor Leary Legacy Fund at Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada.

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