Patrick Joseph Rev. O'Lenny

He was born in Belfast, Ireland, on March 6, 1929. His parents, Michael and Sarah O'Lenny, preceded him in death. His sisters were Vera Fitzpatrick, Sheila O'Connor, Maevy Lavery and Moya McGuire, also deceased. His brother Harry preceded him in death as well.

Father O'Lenny matriculated in his priestly preparations from St. Edmond's Seminary in Herfordshire, England. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1954 by the Catholic Archbishop Griffin, at Westminster Cathedral, England.

Father O'Lenny celebrated his first Mass in London before returning to Belfast, where he assisted at Holy Family parish.

His education also included Queens University in Belfast, Ireland, and All Hallows, Dublin.

Before entering the American Military, he immigrated to the United States and was incardinated into the diocese of LaCrosse, Wisconsin, where he served as a pastor. He also served as pastor in parishes in the State of Washington.

In 1969 he entered the military service as a Catholic Chaplain, serving a complete career in the United States Air Force plus several years in the United States Army. Among his many assignments in the military were Baumholder, Germany, Little Rock, Arkansas, Schusterberg, Holland Shemya, Alaska, Offutt AFB, Nebraska, and Lackland AFB, Texas. One of his most recent assignments had been with the RAF base called Menwith Hill, Harrowgate, North Yorkshire, England, for a period of eight years.

After 24 years of distinguished service, he retired at the age of 75 to finish a long career. However, instead of relaxing in his retirement, he attended the famous University in Belgium, called Louvain or Leuven, where he earned a Ph.D. in theology.

He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Among them, those living in Canada include Angela and Mairead Lavery, Sheila Asser, Patricia and her husband, John Garbowski; those living in Ireland include Maureen Hutchinson, Harry O'Lenny, Dierdre Denver, Cushleel Denver and Gerald McGuire.

He has a brother-in-law, Frank O'Connor, living in Belfast, Ireland, with whom Father O'Lenny conversed by phone every week without fail no matter where Father O'Lenny was living at the time.

He only recently established his retirement home at Air Force Village One and had already made plans to integrate himself into the Catholic program at Lackland AFB, Texas, which is nearby, as an assistant to the regular chaplains there.

On a personal basis, Father O'Lenny was held in the highest esteem by those who met him. He radiated his happiness in being a priest and was even happier when helping others, and always with a cheerful smile. His friends were delighted when they heard him playing his guitar and singing. Certainly, his worldwide following of friends will sorely miss him and his kindness shown toward them.