Msgr. Leon M. Neu, former pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Randolph, died Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2019. He was 91.

Born Sept. 3, 1927, to Victor and Catherine (nee Lauth) Neu in Buffalo, Msgr. Neu attended Our Lady Help of Christians School in Cheektowaga, Canisius High School and Canisius College in Buffalo, and St. Bonaventure University. He went on to attend Christ the King Seminary at St. Bonaventure.

Msgr. Neu was ordained June 7, 1952, at St. Joseph New Cathedral in Buffalo by Bishop Joseph A. Burke. After a year serving in the mission apostolate in Raleigh, N.C., he became assistant pastor at Infant of Prague Parish in Cheektowaga, followed by St. Agnes in Buffalo, St. Boniface in Buffalo, Sacred Heart in Bowmansville, St. Patrick in Lockport, Sacred Heart in Niagara Falls, Immaculate Conception in East Aurora. In 1970, Msgr. Neu was named pastor of St. Mary Parish in Canaseraga. He later served as pastor of St. Brendan in Almond, St. Martin in Buffalo and St. Patrick in Randolph. He retired in 2004.

Msgr. Neu was a 3rd Degree Knight of Columbus, Nash Council; 4th Degree Knight of Columbus, Msgr. Leo J. Toomey Assembly; and served on the board of directors for Our Lady of Victory Homes of Charity and Hospital. He will be remembered to many as a "Dog Whisperer," who would go down to the city pound to walk some of the more temperamental canines.

He is predeceased by his parents and siblings: Catherine T. Hasselback, Eleanor S. Buchbinder, Victor E. Neu and Norbert J. Neu.

Visitation will take place Sunday, Aug. 11, 4-8 p.m. at Sieck, Mast and Leslie Funeral Home, 250 Orchard Park Road, West Seneca. The funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Victory Basilica, Monday, Aug. 12, at 10 a.m., with Bishop Richard J. Malone presiding. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Lackawanna.