On August 15, our beloved Father Donald Leary joined the angels to celebrate the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in his everlasting home.

Born on November 29, 1926, Father Leary was the third of four boys born to Ethel and George Leary of Caledonia, MN.  Like his brothers, he participated in the great boxing tradition of Caledonia.  He attended Loretto High School in Caledonia and went on to receive his BA degree at Loras Catholic College in Dubuque, Iowa.  He attended St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore, Maryland and was ordained a priest on May 19, 1951.  Father Leary dutifully answered the call of the Bishop of the Winona diocese by serving the parishes of St. Mary's in Winona, Sacred Heart in Hayfield, Our Lady of Loretto in Brownsdale, Sacred Heart in Waseca, St. Patrick in LeRoy, St. Bernard in Stewartville, St. Mary in Lake City (twice), St. Casimir in Wells, St. Mary in Chatfield, St. Anthony in Altura and St. Aloysius in Elba.  Father Leary was especially honored to serve as Principal at Lourdes High School in Rochester.  He retired in Rochester where he greatly enjoyed the friendship and camaraderie of his brother Priests, along with the constant love and care from his niece Katie and her husband Steve and their sons Jake and John.  The shamrock on his door and the twinkle in his eye proudly revealed his Irish heritage.

Preceded in death by his parents, brothers Bill, Harold and Bob; sisters-in-law, Faith and Rita, nephew Tom, and his dear friend Sister Olga.

Survived by sister-in-law, Susan Leary, nieces, nephews, and his loyal friend since childhood Sister Mary Esch of Assisi Heights.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 19 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Rochester, MN with the Bishop Bernard J. Harrington celebrating and the Rev. Harry P. Jewison and Rev. James Russell concelebrating.  Visitation will be two hours prior to Mass at St. John's.  Burial will be Calvary Cemetery in Rochester.