St. Leonard’s Home was a senior living facility with a long and cherished history in Hollidaysburg, providing housing and personal care assistance to seniors in Blair County for 75 years. The home resided in a stately brick mansion known as Sunset Hill, a building that served as a private residence for Peter Shoenberger Duncan, a wealthy industrialist, and his family from 1901 until 1937. After World War II, Leonard Miller acquired the property, later selling it to the Catholic Church for a symbolic $1, enabling its transformation into a haven for elderly care. The first resident was welcomed on January 5, 1947, marking the beginning of a dedicated mission to serve those in need of support and community in their later years.
Throughout its history, St. Leonard’s Home was noted for the individualized attention and broad range of services it provided its residents. Each senior was offered a furnished room and assisted with the practical aspects of daily living, such as medication administration, housekeeping, laundry, maintaining personal hygiene, arranging and keeping medical appointments, and organizing transportation. Care was given around the clock, ensuring that all needs were met with compassion and professionalism. The staff’s ongoing commitment allowed seniors to enjoy a homelike atmosphere where dignity and personal choice were respected at all times.
The spirit of community at St. Leonard’s Home extended beyond the services provided to its residents. It was supported by the dedication of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, whose ongoing stewardship ensured the continuation of its mission across decades of changing social and economic landscapes. This sense of gratitude and mutual support was evident in the appreciation expressed for donors, volunteers, and families who entrusted their loved ones to the home’s care. Over the years, countless individuals found comfort and camaraderie within the walls of the historic mansion, making it a unique and beloved institution in the local community.
However, after decades of service, St. Leonard’s Home was faced with mounting challenges, including economic pressures and staffing shortages affecting the healthcare industry at large. The decision to close, though deeply difficult, was reached with the commitment to maintain high-quality care for each of the remaining residents during their transition to new homes. The team remained focused on supporting both residents and families through this period, determined to uphold the standard of care and compassion that defined the home’s history. Although the future use of the landmark building remains undecided, the legacy of St. Leonard’s Home lives on in the many lives it touched and the tradition of service it inspired.