The Reverend Fr. Gerard Philip Leclerc, age 81, of St. Johnsbury died peacefully at home on Thursday, April 14, 2016. His childhood friend, Charles Hedrick, was at his side having just come for a visit. He was born on Feb. 8, 1935 in St. Johnsbury, Vermont to Philip and Agathe (Fortin) Leclerc. He was the nephew of Fr. Armand P. Fortin. He graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy in 1952, St. Jerome College (Kitchener, California), the Seminary of Philosophy (Montreal, Canada) and the Grand Seminary (Montreal, Canada). He was ordained to the priesthood on May 22, 1960 by Bishop Robert F. Joyce. His priestly ministry began as Parochial Vicar at St. Anthony Church in Burlington (June 6, 1960 to June 6, 1962). He joined the St. James Apostle Society for Latin America (1962 until 1982) and especially loved his time spent in Bolivia. Upon his return to the diocese, he served as Parochial Vicar at St. Mary Star of the Sea in Newport (Dec. 15, 1982 to June 20, 1984) and St. Anthony Church in Sheldon Springs (June 20, 1984 to Aug. 22, 1990). In 1988 he attended the Continuing Education program in Rome. Father Leclerc's first pastorate was at St. Anthony Church in Bethel (Aug. 22, 1990 to July 31, 1996). He also served as Pastor at St. John the Baptist Church in Enosburg Falls (July 31, 1996 to Oct. 30, 2002) and St. Peter Church in Vergennes (Oct. 30, 2002 to July 1, 2009). He was granted Senior Priest status on July 1, 2009. He continued to minister to the Hispanic population throughout Vermont. Father Leclerc's diocesan responsibilities included Dean of the Franklin deanery, Chaplain of Cursillo and a member of the Presbyteral Council. Survivors include his brother Robert Leclerc, a Marist brother, of New Jersey; two sisters: Theresa Doyon and husband Conrad of St. Johnsbury, Yvonne Gravelin and husband Albert of Shelburne; nieces and nephews and their families. His was predeceased by a sister Bernadette Durrse of Greenwich, Connecticut. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Johnsbury on Tuesday, April 19, at 11 a.m., at the St. John the Evangelist Church. Fr. Lance W. Harlow will be the principle celebrant and homilist with His Excellency, Bishop Christopher Coyne, presiding. Viewing will occur at the church prior to the Mass on Tuesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. At 10:30 a.m. the casket will be closed. Burial will follow the Mass at the Mt. Calvary Cemetery in St. Johnsbury. A reception will follow the cemetery service at the parish hall. His family would like to publically thank Dr. Greg Ripple and staff at the Norris Cotton Cancer Center and Dr. Dennis Sanders and staff at Vermont Center for Cancer. Memorial contributions could be directed the Good Shepherd School, 121 Maple St., St. Johnsbury VT 05819.