Reverend Leonard John Blostic T.O.R., of the Third Order Regular Franciscans of the Province of the Immaculate Conception, USA died on Tuesday, 25 November 2025 in Hollidaysburg, PA.
Father Leonard was born on 5 August 1934 in Cokeburg, PA, the child of Michael and Eva (Skavinsky) Blostic. He was given the name John at Baptism.
Father Leonard entered the Franciscan Preparatory Seminary, Hollidaysburg, PA in 1954 and professed Solemn Vows on 26 June 1959. He was ordained to the priesthood on 8 June 1963 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington DC.
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 H.S., Ebensburg. He also served as an Instructor in the Diocese of Richmond, VA at James Barry Robinson H.S., Norfolk, and in the Diocese of Youngstown, OH at John F. Kennedy H.S., 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-Charles, WV at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Stonewood. Fr. 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, PA.
Those who knew him remember Fr. 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 accomplished cook and baker, often filling the friaries he lived in with the aroma of breads, pies, cakes and other goodies. Fr. 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 liked and respected by students and faculty alike.
Father Leonard was preceded in death by his parents and 17 brothers and sisters. He is survived by two sisters, Sr. Eve Blostic, OSF and Sr. Wanda, OCD, and one brother, Edward (Kathy) Blostic, many nieces and nephews, dear friends, and his Franciscan Community.
Visitation, concluding with a Vigil Service, will be held on Monday, 1 December from 4:00 – 6:00 pm at the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Altoona, PA. On Tuesday, 2 December there will be a Funeral Mass at the Church at 10:30 am with the Very Reverend Father Frank Scornaienchi, T.O.R., Minister Provincial, as the principal celebrant. Interment will take place after Mass in the Community Cemetery at St. Bernardine Monastery, Hollidaysburg. A luncheon will follow at the Monastery. Memorial gifts in Father Leonard’s memory may be made to the Franciscan Friars’ Retirement Fund, P.O. Box 139, Hollidaysburg PA 16648.
