Celebrating the life of
Reverend William (Bill) Joseph Leahy
March 21, 1936 - November 16, 2025
Reverend William “Bill” Joseph Leahy, a priest of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Savannah, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, November 16, 2025. He was 89 years old.
Fr. Leahy was born to the late John and Johanna Smiddy Leahy on March 21, 1936, and baptized the next day in Kilcredan, Ladysbridge, County Cork, Ireland. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother, John Leahy. Known as “the quiet saint” by those who knew him, he will be deeply missed by his sister, Sr. Margaret Leahy, of Dublin, Ireland; his sister-in-law, Mary Leahy, of Kilcredan, Ireland; three nieces and two nephews, all living in Ireland; the Most Reverend Stephen D. Parkes, Bishop of Savannah; the Most Reverend J. Kevin Boland, Bishop Emeritus of Savannah; and brother priests, religious, parishioners, and friends in the Diocese of Savannah.
Leahy grew up in a farming community in South East Cork, Ireland, and attended Kilcredan National School, Mt. Melleray Seminary (Waterford), and St. Patrick’s Seminary (Carlow). As a young man, Leahy excelled in his studies and was active in sports, especially hurling. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Savannah at the Cathedral of the Assumption, Carlow, on June 11, 1966, and celebrated his first Mass at the parish church in Ballymacoda the next day. He arrived in Savannah in the fall of 1966.
His first assignment in the Diocese of Savannah was Assistant Pastor, St. Joseph, Augusta. Two years later, he was appointed Administrator of the Catholic communities in Liberty and Bryan Counties (Hinesville–Richmond Hill Missions), and in 1969 he was named Administrator of St. Joseph, Jesup, the parish overseeing the development of the missions.
In 1973, he succeeded the late Fr. John Hurley as Pastor of Holy Spirit, Macon, and in 1978, he was appointed Co-Pastor of St. Anne, Columbus, supporting the parish through a period of dramatic growth, which saw a population increase from 100 families to more than 900 in only five years.
Leahy’s next assignment was Pastor of Our Lady Star of the Sea, St. Marys, and its mission, St. Francis of Assisi in Folkston (1987–2001). After ten years as Pastor of Holy Redeemer, McRae, and St. Mark, Eastman, Leahy returned to Folkston after his retirement in 2011.
Leahy also ministered as a Senator/Consultor for the Diocese of Savannah (1981–1984), a member of the Diocesan Council of Priests, and a prison minister in Dodge and Telfair Counties. A wonderful confessor and pastor to many, he was also active in the Jesus Caritas Fraternity of Priests, the Knights of Columbus, and Cursillo.
Funeral Mass and Interment
Tuesday, November 25, 2025 | 10 AM EST
Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist
222 E. Harris St., Savannah
The Funeral Mass will be livestreamed at http://diosav.org
and https://www.facebook.com/diosav.org
Interment to follow at Catholic Cemetery
1720 Wheaton St., Savannah
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We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our uncle, Fr. Bill but comforted by knowing that he is at peace now with God and his beloved father Jack, Mother Johanna and his late brother John. Fr. Bill was such a lovely, gentle, and kind soul, whose presence brought comfort and warmth to everyone he met. His compassion and humility defined his life, and he carried that spirit into every relationship and every moment. He will be deeply missed by everyone he knew. May he rest in peace.
- Teresa Leahy, Kilcredan, Ballymacoda, Cork
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Deepest sympathy to Aunty Mary, Jo, Margo, Noel, Paul, Teresa, Sr Peg and Fr Bill's extended religious community on the very sad passing of Fr Bill. May his gentle soul rest in peace
- Olive Barry, Nenagh, Tipperary
Sincerest condolences to the family
- MC Newhouse, Silver Spring, Md
The gentlest of souls. It was a privilege to know him and call him friend. May he rest in peace.
- Ann Pinckney, Savannah, GA
We are very saddened at Fr. Bills passing. We loved him dearly and enjoyed his visits home and in recent years the video calls. We pass on our sincere condolences to Fr. Bills American family, especially Lawanda and Rhonda. We will be holding you in our thoughts and prayers.
- Paul, Deirdre, JP, Billy and Dylan Leahy, Kilcredan, Ireland
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You were such a sweet soul. I know you are with God. Rest in peace, Fr. Leahy.
- Doreen C. Fletcher, Ocilla, GA
I am grateful for the years Father served as our priest at Our Lady Star of the Sea in St. Mary's, Georgia. His presence exuded peace, love and kindness. He treated all his parishioners with respect no matter their station in life. He truly exemplified all the characteristics of a wonderful parish priest. My family and I will have fond memories of him. God bless him; and, may he rest in peace.
- Lynn Giovanniello, Kingsland, GA
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Fr. Leahy was always so kind and loving. He will be missed. God bless.
- Diane C Cagle, Marietta, GA
I was very sorry to hear of Fr. Leahy's passing. I remember him fondly from his time at St.Anne in Columbus. RIP
- Candy Muncy-Thomas , Columbus , GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Mass of Christian Burial
- 10:00 a.m. on Tue, November 25, 2025
- Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist
-
222 East Harris Street (map)
SAVANNAH GA 31401 - 912-233-4709
- Burial
- on Tue, November 25, 2025
- Catholic Cemetery
-
1420 Wheaton St. (map)
Savannah GA 31401