Rev. Father Leonardo Pahamtang

Father Leonardo Pahamtang was a devoted servant of the Catholic Church whose life was marked by humility, dedication, and unwavering faith. Born into a large and close-knit family, he was the son of Rogaciana Susi Pahamtang and Marcos Abejaron Pahamtang. He is survived by his brother Carlito Pahamtang, his sister Fe Pahamtang, and his niece Kerstin Pols who reside in Alviola Village Butuan City, and Fairfield, California respectively.

Father Pahamtang grew up in Carmen, Philippines, where his journey of faith began as an altar boy, laying the foundation for a life devoted to the Church. His calling to serve the Church became evident early in life, leading him to attend St. Peter’s Seminary in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte. There, his academic prowess and deep spirituality flourished. He later pursued higher education at St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary, where he graduated cum laude—an achievement that demonstrated his unwavering dedication to both his studies and his spiritual calling.

In his pursuit of academic excellence and spiritual growth, Father Pahamtang earned a Master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling from De La Salle University, equipping him to guide and counsel the faithful in profound ways. His journey of service included significant roles as a chaplain at Father Saturnino Urios University and as a parish priest in several locations, including Tungao, Butuan City, Makati, Manila, and Papua New Guinea.

Father Pahamtang’s pastoral mission extended beyond the Philippines. In California, he served as an assistant pastor at St. Vincent Ferrer Church in Vallejo, where his compassionate leadership touched the lives of many. He later served as a parish priest in Ralls, Muleshoe, and Earth, Texas, leaving a lasting impact on the communities he shepherded. After decades of dedicated service, he retired in Muleshoe, Texas, in 2016, having been ordained on April 12, 1977.

Throughout his ministry, Father Pahamtang exemplified the virtues of a servant leader. He was a man of many talents-an avid golfer who enjoyed the sport until his last days, a gifted pianist who shared his musical talents, and an athlete whose love for basketball and tennis inspired those around him. During his time at the seminary, he was not only a scholar but also a celebrated varsity basketball player, earning the nickname “a Hero of Basketball”. In addition to his athletic and academic pursuits, he was a dedicated teacher to his younger sister, imparting both knowledge and wisdom with great care. His profound faith and tireless work ethic shone through in all his endeavors, whether guiding the faithful as a parish priest, offering counsel and support, or mentoring others. These accomplishments reflected his multifaceted talents and passion for service.

In his final moments, the family shared that despite his grave illness, Father Pahamtang smiled and said, “I see God and God is ready for me and I am ready for him. I have done everything for God.” When his family asked why he was smiling, his serene response offered comfort and reflection to all present.

Father Pahamtang was preceded in death by his parents, Rogaciana Susi Pahamtang and Marcos Abejaron Pahamtang, as well as his brothers Jacinto, Simeon, Mario, and Nestor Pahamtang. His legacy extends beyond the Church. He was a devoted Uncle to Kerstin whom he treated like a daughter and whose family – Jason, Damien, and Kingston supported and cared for him during his treatment. He also loved and looked after his nieces and nephews in the Philippines – Janjan and Jovy, Kenken and Christine, Karla, Aldrin, Karen, Kate, Marco and Rosemalyn, Anthony and Lalang, Vivlyn, Jose Marcus, Jackieboy, Jonard, JP, Geraldine and Nero.

In Texas, he was cherished by Sr. Carmela and the Mensa Domini Sisters, Baby Aparece, Dr. Leo and Emma Cabrera, Luis and Vickie Godinez, Ralls, Earth, and the Muleshoe parishioners, and countless others whose lives he touched with his kindness and wisdom. His dedication to his family, faith, and community serves as a testament to his love for God and humanity. Father Pahamtang’s life was a shining example of what it means to be a servant of God, and his memory will continue to inspire all who knew him.