Father Leonard A. Pachis

Father Leon A. Pachis

Father Leon A. Pachis, 85 of McMurray passed away peacefully on November 12, 2016 in St. Clair Hospital.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Catherine.

Father Leon was a US veteran serving his country in the Air Force Reserves.

He graduated from Holy Cross Seminary in Massachusetts.

The first parish Father Pachis established was the St. Haralambos in Canton, Ohio. He began his first major parish, St. Elias in San Bernardino, California. He was Founder and CEO of the Guadalupe Home for Boys, which was a group home for abused and neglected children. This home began with six boys and ended up be a successful non-profit which helped thousands of boys and girls.

Father Leon felt a calling for missionary work and supported numerous parishes in the Southern California area. He substituted for parishes without priests and was instrumental in beginning numerous Greek Orthodox parishes get established in Southern California.  He humbly served God with his whole heart.

He was a devoted family man who always made time for his children and grandchildren’s sports and activities and supported them with his presence every opportunity he could. He enjoyed wintering in Florida with his wife Catherine and following the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Pittsburgh Pirate sports teams.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sons Alexander L. Pachis of Pittsburgh and James M. Pachis of North Strabane, his only daughter Anne Marie Aronson (John) of McMurray, six grandchildren Joshua, Matthew, Alex and James Pachis and Alexis and Stefan Aronson.

Friends are welcome from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 15, 2016 in Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church, 123 Gilkeson Road, Pittsburgh, 15228. Viewing also will be held on Wednesday, November 16, 2016 beginning 10:00am until 11:00am the time of service. Entombment will follow at Forest Lawn Gardens, McMurray. Arrangements have been entrusted to Salandra Funeral and Cremation Services, Joseph P. Salandra owner/supervisor, Canonsburg.

Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church or the American Cancer Society.