The Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown is mourning the passing of one of its priests.
Reverend Leo A. Lynch, a retired priest of the diocese, passed on January 16, 2020, following an extended illness. He was 67 years old.
He was born on November 5, 1952, in Altoona, the son of the late Leo C. and Matilda (Fiore) Lynch. He attended Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School in Altoona, Saint Francis University in Loretto, and the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio.
Father Lynch was ordained a priest in 1993 at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Altoona and served as Parochial Vicar at the Cathedral from 1993-1995. He served in Hospital Ministry from 1995-1997. From 1997-1999, Father Lynch was Chaplain at Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School. He served as Principal of Bishop Guilfoyle from 1999-2004, residing at Sacred Heart Parish in Altoona from 1996-2003.
Father Lynch was Administrator of Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Altoona from 2003-2004. From 2004-2010, he was Administrator of Saint Joseph Parish in Williamsburg and Chaplain at SCI Smithfield. He served as Pastor of Saint Thomas More Parish in Roaring Spring from 2011 until his retirement in November, 2019.
