Leo Richard Smith

Leo Smith was born in Attica, New York to Adam Henry and Mary Jane (née O'Neil) Smith.[1] He attended Canisius College in Buffalo, from where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1926.[1] He then furthered his studies in Rome, earning a Ph.D. from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) in 1928 and a Doctor of Sacred Theology from the Urban College of Propaganda in 1930.[2] He was ordained to the priesthood by Cardinal Basilio Pompili on December 21, 1929.[3] He received a doctorate in canon and civil law in 1932.[1]

Following his return to New York, Smith served as a curate at St. Joseph's Cathedral in Buffalo until 1934, when he became assistant chancellor of the Diocese of Buffalo.[2] He also served as diocesan director of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (1935-1941) and of youth activities (1941-1946).[2] He was raised to the rank of Papal Chamberlain in 1942 and a Domestic Prelate in 1946.[1] He was named chancellor (1946) and later vicar general (1953) of the Diocese of Buffalo.[1]

On June 30, 1952, Smith was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Buffalo and Titular Bishop of Marida by Pope Pius XII.[3] He received his episcopal consecration on the following September 24 from Archbishop Amleto Giovanni Cicognani, with Bishops Raymond Augustine Kearney and James H. Griffiths serving as co-consecrators.[3] He became episcopal moderator of the National Apostleship of the Sea in 1961.[2] Following the transfer of James Johnston Navagh to Bishop of Paterson, Smith was named eighth Bishop of Ogdensburg on May 13, 1963.[3] However, he only remained in office for five months. Smith died in Rome while attending the Second Vatican Council, aged 58.[2]