The Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown is mourning the passing of Reverend Anthony J. Legarski, Pastor of Saint Mary Parish in Hollidaysburg. Father Legarski passed on November 5 at a Pittsburgh hospital following a brief illness. He was 61 years old.
Father Legarski was born in Somerset, the son of John and Yolanda (Lapina) Legarski. He attended Somerset Area High School, Saint Francis University, and Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
He was ordained a priest in 1983 at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Altoona. He served as Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Altoona, Saint Mary Parish in Hollidaysburg, and Saint Mary Parish in Altoona. During some of those years, Father Legarski was also active in the Naval Reserves.
He was appointed Pastor of Holy Spirit Parish in Beaverdale in 1999, an assignment he held until his appointment as Pastor of Saint Mary Parish in Hollidaysburg in 2005.
A viewing will be held on November 13 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and on November 14 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Saint Mary Parish in Hollidaysburg.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated on November 15 at 10:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Altoona.
Bishop Mark sends his thoughts and prayers to the Legarski family and the parish family of Saint Mary.
