The Reverend Leo V. Gariazzo, age 95, went home to Jesus on December 2, 2024. Father Leo, as he was universally known, entered Holy Family Seminary in St. Louis in 1957 to begin his studies. He was ordained to the priesthood on April 3, 1965. During the years of his ministry, Father Leo shared the Good News of the Gospel in Texas, Missouri, New York and New Jersey.  For 20 of those years he worked with teenagers in two high schools as well as serving in various parishes.

Before entering the seminary, Fr. Leo was very involved in music, voice and opera. After much study, he gave a concert at Carnegie Recital Hall in New York City to begin his musical career in opera, but the Lord had other plans. The Holy Spirit touched his heart and Fr. Leo began to study for the priesthood instead.  Even as a student and priest, though, he never forgot his love for music and the singing voice. Indeed, his family and friends will always remember his 90th birthday celebration when he got up and sang with his booming basso voice, and even up until the end he enjoyed talking about opera and music.

Fr. Leo with his family moved to Brevard, NC in 2014.  As a retired priest he still was able to help at neighboring Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and parishioners will always remember his liturgies and homilies.

He is survived by his niece, Susan Toscani, and his nephew Will Toscani and wife Sandy. A funeral mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Church on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers and for those who wish, donations in his name may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Brevard. Father Leo will be missed by all but never forgotten.

Online condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com.