Jan. 13, 1931 – Jan. 2, 2021
Reverend William Carl Leininger, Catholic Priest, died January 2nd at age 89. William Leininger was ordained on June 16th, 1956. He was deeply involved in social justice programs and a member of a family with deep roots in San Jose.
Leininger was born at O’Connor Hospital in San Jose on January 13, 1931, the son of Carl Leininger, who became San Jose’s City Engineer and Mary Leininger, a homemaker. The first of seven children, he came from a family devoted to public service and and social justice.
As a priest of more than 64 years, Leininger’s actions embodied the essence of Christianity in that he worked tirelessly for those in need and would help anyone regardless of their faith or background. He truly loved what he did and led a life devoted to others. His true calling was to the service of the underserved. He served on a number of commissions and was active with labor unions. Whether attending a meeting or protesting, he was fully committed to fair treatment for all.
Leininger served the Catholic Church faithfully conducting Zoom Masses on Sundays until he could no longer physically participate. Locally he was a parish priest at St. John Vianney’s, St. Martins and was Pastor at transfiguration Church. Leininger is survived by his sister Jane, and brothers Richard and Robert. He was preceded in death by brother James, sisters Rita and Anne.
