The Rev. Leonard Arcilesi, 75, a native of Louisville and priest of the Diocese of Owensboro, died Friday, April 23, 2004, at his home. His parents, Frank and Hazel Arcilesi and his only sibling, Vita Mae Schall-Miller, preceded him in death. He was the pastor of St. Martin Catholic Church in Owensboro, former pastor of St. William and St. Lawrence parishes in Daviess County, and St. Stephen Church in Cadiz, and the founding pastor of St. Michael Church in Oak Grove, Ky. He was associate pastor of St. Pius X, Owensboro, and St. Mary of the Woods in Whitesville, Ky. Father Arcilesi was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Owensboro on May 27, 1989, after an internship at St. Anthony in Peonia.

A graduate of Bellarmine College in Louisville, Father Arcilesi received graduate degrees in education from the University of Cincinnati and St. Mary Seminary. He did post-graduate work at Purdue University, the University of Illinois, DePaul University, the University of New York and Georgetown University. He was a world traveler and student of the arts. He was involved in construction, building design, landscaping and planning.

He is survived by his aunt, Maryann D’Angelo of Detroit; two nephews, Fred and Frank Schall; three nieces, Deborah D’Angelo (Leonard), Joan Marie Thorpe and Lisa (Timothy) Stinson; eight great-nieces and great-nephews; and many devoted friends.

Funeral services were held on April 27, 2004, at St. Martin Catholic Church. Afterwards, in Louisville, visitation was at Bosse Funeral Home on April 27, 28, 2004, with a vigil service at the funeral home on April 27, and a prayer service on April 28, followed by burial in St. Michael Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Diocese of Owensboro Seminary Fund, 600 Locust St., Owensboro, KY 42301.