Leonard J. Spillane's Obituary
Leonard J. Spillane, 83, of Gainesville, FL, was born in Nashua, NH on December 14, 1931 and passed away on March 16, 2015. He entered the seminary after high school to become a Catholic priest and studied theology at the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium. Later, he pursued a Master’s degree in counseling education at Boston University. While in Boston he met Rita Riedl, and they married in 1969. They moved to Gainesville, FL with their children in 1977.
Leonard was always deeply devoted to his family and was an active member of Holy Faith Catholic Church, where he was twice elected President of the Golden Gators. One of the highlights of his professional career was the 15 years he served as the Director of Catholic Charities of Gainesville. Throughout his life Leonard remained a loyal New England sports fan. He especially loved the Boston Red Sox.
Leonard is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Maureen and Rick Murov; his daughter, Megan Spillane; his son, Michael Spillane; his daughter and son-in-law, Melanie and Daniel Houston, and six grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 41 years, Rita; his two brothers, George and Jack Spillane; his sister-in-law, Anne Spillane; and his parents, John and Mary Spillane.
The family will receive friends Tuesday, March 24, 2015, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Holy Faith Catholic Church, 747 NW 43rd Street. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at 9:30 AM, at Holy Faith Catholic Church, with Father John Phillips as celebrant. Inurnment will be private.
Donations in his honor can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association 4510 NW 6th Place Gainesville, FL 32607 or Catholic Charities 1701 NE 9th Street Gainesville, Florida, 32609.
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