Remembrance of the Life of Leonard Urban CoL

Loretto Co-member Leonard Urban died Sept.  26, 2024, at his home in Fort Collins, Colo. He became a co-member along with his brother the Rev. Peter Urban and Kathy Santopietro on Nov. 4, 1976.  At that time, Leonard, Peter, Elizabeth Dyer and Kathy worked in team ministry in Frederick, Mead and Erie, Colo. 

Leonard was ordained a Roman Catholic priest in 1956, and for more than 30 years he worked in ministry, education and authored two books as well as publishing a weekly article in the Denver Catholic Register. He worked with Sisters of Loretto at St. Philomena’s Parish in Denver and along with Elizabeth Dyer, he co-founded John XXIII Parish in Fort Collins. 

After his ministry as a Catholic priest, he became a family therapist and married Elizabeth Cushman in 1991.  He continued to be a teacher, spiritual leader and mentor over the remaining days of his life.

Speaking of Leonard, Loretto Co-member the Rev. Marty Lally shared, “Shortly after my assignment in a Denver area parish, I called on Leonard for a bit of help.  The new parish had just experienced some difficulty and was having a hard time dealing with the transition.  There was a feeling of anger and frustration among the parishioners.  Leonard’s book “Look What They’ve Done to My Church” had been published, and I asked him if he could come and give a short talk about the book and answer questions.  The title of the book attracted people because it described what parishioners were feeling. 

“Leonard came, and he was a hit!  He spoke about the book, how easily it is to feel frustration at change, and he communicated his honesty, his integrity and his awareness of others’ feeling ’look what they’ve done.’  I was grateful for Leonard’s kind and wise response to the questions that were asked.  Leonard helped those good people deal with a difficult moment in their faith journey. I am grateful and will remember Leonard for that.

A memorial service for Leonard took place Oct. 26 at Mary of Magdala Ecumenical Catholic Church, Trinity Lutheran Church, 301 E. Stuart St., Fort Collins, Colo.

Please keep Leonard and his dear family and friends in your prayers. May he rest in peace.