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Fr. Leo Ramsperger, the eldest priest of the Archdiocese of Toronto, has died at the age of 100.
Passed away peacefully, at Humber River Hospital, Toronto, on Friday August 2, 2024, at the age of 100. Beloved brother to Paul Ramsperger and his wife, Louise, and uncle to many nephews and nieces. Predeceased by his siblings Anne, Charlotte, Cecilia, John, Arthur, Theresa, Marie, Pauline, Patricia, Catherine, and Rita (Betty). Father Leo was well known for his deep faith and dedication to the Catholic Church - an ordained priest for 70 years. He genuinely cared for all humanity, was very generous, and lived a life of service to the Lord. After his official retirement, he continued in his role as a priest, assisting at St. Ignatius Martyr Parish in Maynooth, and with the celebration of daily Mass in a chapel in his country home, welcoming friends and encouraging them in their journey of faith. He enjoyed gardening, spending time outdoors, and enjoying the birds. Upon his transition to St. Bernard’s Retirement Residence, he continued to offer Mass, daily, from an altar in his room. A “servant of the Lord,” a mentor, a brother, a friend, he was always an inspiration and an example of deep faith. He will be greatly missed by many.
The Archdiocese of Toronto wrote:Please pray for the repose of the soul of Rev. Leo August Ramsperger who died on August 2, 2024. Funeral Mass will be held on August 8 at St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Toronto.
Fr. Leo August Ramsperger was 100 years old and in his 70th year of the priesthood. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 5, 1954 by Cardinal J. McGuigan.
Fr. Ramsperger was Associate Pastor at: St. Mary’s, Collingwood; St. Paul’s Basilica; St. Ann’s, Penetanguishene; St. Mary’s, Brampton; St. Anthony’s, Toronto; Holy Spirit, Scarborough; St. Leo’s, Etobicoke; and St. Ambrose. He was Pastor of Holy Martyrs of Japan, St. Paul’s Basilica and St. John the Evangelist, Caledon.
Fr. Ramsperger retired in 1997 and was in residence at St. Bernard’s Retirement Residence.
From his 100th Birthday: FATHER LEO RAMSPERGER Turns 100! The oldest priest in the Archdiocese of Toronto now....
His parents were Arthur, of German Bavarian descent, and his mother Christina, from Scotland. Father Leo's mother was a convert from Presbyterian. The Ramspergers had 14 children and Leo was the 5th child.
Before becoming a priest he worked 3 years in the air force and also worked at National Steel Cars. A late vocation, he studied at Saint Augustine’s Seminary, for 7 years. Father Leo attended seminary with Cardinal Aloysius Ambrozic, who became Archbishop of Toronto, and the two used to cliff climb together. Father Leo was ordained in Saint Michael's Cathedral, in 1954, and retired from the archdiocese, in 1997.
During his time in the archdiocese became an Associate Pastor for 8 parishes, over 15 years.
Afterward, he became a full-time Pastor for 28 years, in 4 parishes:
Holy martyrs of Japan, in Bradford, Ontario, Saint Paul’s Basilica, Toronto, Saint John’s in Albion, and Saint Cornelius, in Caledon.
One of his favorite sayings is: "It is wonderful if God always gives us a happy heart. "
For many years Father Leo lived in a house he purchased in the small town of Maynooth, Ontario. Even though he became legally blind, with very poor vision, he still held daily Mass in his private chapel. Many families from around the area would frequent his tiny chapel. Following each Mass Father Leo would make breakfast for the people attending. He is a great inspiration to so many of us! Father Leo's perseverance in continuing priestly duties when age and declining eyesight made it so difficult, will always stand out as an example of excellence. Former parishioners of his tiny home chapel have so many good memories.... from his stray cats and batches of kittens, to his geese and trout, to his beautiful flowers and garden, and of course coffee and toast after Mass... They will forever recall those days with great happiness! Most of all he bestowed graces upon his parish family, and the entire world, as he taught us that the Mass is the greatest prayer, and that its power extends throughout the whole world. Fr. Leo now lives in a retirement home for clergy in Toronto.
St. Augustine Seminary circa 1951
Graduating Class of St. Augustine's 1954
Father's former private Chapel
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