Donald A. Leclerc
Born: Aug. 9, 1933 Died: February 1, 2024
Don Leclerc, a former confrere to many of you, has passed away at the age of 90. A native of Claremont, New Hampshire., he entered Marybrook Novitiate in 1954 and made his first profession of vows on August 15, 1955. Don was ordained a Montfort Father on February 25, 1961 together with his late classmates Everett Brown, SMM and Joseph Minsterman, SMM.
Following ordination, Don served for several years as SMM New England Vocation Director, based in Litchfield, Connecticut. He was subsequently assigned to Montfort-staffed parishes St. Mary Gate of Heaven in Ozone Park and Infant Jesus in Port Jefferson. His ministry was youth-focused, and he became well-respected for his work. Don had a friendly manner. In the parlance of that era, he was known as a “good guy.”
Don departed the community in 1991 and subsequently became employed by AARP and remained on Long Island for the rest of his life. He married Christine Franzem in 1993. She and their children survive him. Most recently, Don and Christine made their home in Floral Park. Following extended illness, he passed away in a memory care facility in Garden City, NY.
No obituary has been published and there was no wake. Postmortem arrangements were managed by Park Funeral Chapels in Garden City Park, NY. A Feb. 12, funeral Mass at Church of St. Anne in Garden City was celebrated by his close friend, Fr. Francis Pizzarelli, SMM. His ashes will be buried in the garden of remembrance on the grounds of an old monastery in Mt. Sinai, Long Island known as Little Portion, Friary. Fr. Pizzarelli lives and works there with recovering opioid addicts. Rest in peace, Don.
Brian Harrington
Investiture class of 1961
Feb. 28, 2024
