May 31, 2011

A Mass of Christian Burial for Father Leo A. Hoying was celebrated May 26 at St. Augustine Parish in Minster. Retired Archbishop Daniel E. Pilarczyk presided. Father Hoying, 80, died May 22 at the St. Charles Center in Carthegena.

A native of St. Patrick, Father Hoying did his preparatory studies at St. Gregory Seminary and studied theology at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary of the West in Norwood. He was ordained on May 26, 1956, at St. Monica Cathedral in Cincinnati by Archbishop Karl J. Alter.

On June 1, 1956, Father Hoying received his first assignment as an assistant pastor at the former Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Norwood. Father Hoying was also an assistant at the following parishes: St. Saviour, Rossmoyne (1961-1964); St. Catharine of Siena, Cincinnati (1964-1968); Holy Rosary, St. Marys (1968-1972); and St. Raphael, Springfield (1972-1974).

During his years of ministry, Father Hoying was appointed pastor of the following parishes: St. Raphael, Springfield (1974-1977); Holy Rosary, St. Marys (1977-1989); St. Remy, Russia (1989-1995); Holy Family, Frenchtown and St. Denis, Versailles (1995-2001).

Father Hoying was a part-time teacher at the former Notre Dame High School, counselor at La Salle High School and chaplain at Community Hospital in Springfield. He was also a member of The Catholic Telegraph’s editorial advisory board from 1992 – 1995.

After his retirement in July 2001, he provided sacramental ministry at Holy Redeemer Parish, New Bremen, and Sacred Heart Parish, McCartyville, and also was appointed temporary parochial administrator of Holy Rosary Parish, St. Marys.  

Father Hoying is survived by his sisters, Catherine Abele, Veronica Presas, Margie Thieman and Susan Prenger, and a brother, Alvin. Interment was in St. Augustine Cemetery.