Corey Joseph Edward Leech, 31; Johnstown. This is the story of Corey Joseph Edward Leech.   It was a promising beginning that ended far too soon at the ripe age of 31.  Corey, the third-eldest brother of 10, enjoyed playing and watching sports. His favorite professional teams were the Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Penguins, and the Atlanta Braves.  Corey was also a talented athlete, playing baseball, basketball, and football for Bishop McCort high school. Through his Catholic educators, Corey was introduced to a “man of the cloth,” a predator, who aimed to take advantage of a trusting, handsome, and athletic boy.  Despite his years of private suffering, Corey went on to graduate Magna Cum Laude from the nursing program at Mt. Aloysius, where he also played baseball and earned his Bachelor’s degree in 2008.  Corey pursued a career as a registered nurse in the regional intensive care nursery at Conemaugh and also as a traveling nurse in San Diego, CA.  He had a true passion for children and was delighted that his career afforded him the opportunity to help babies who were “smaller than his hand.”Turns out Corey was one of many children victimized by this man.  When his years of private torment became national news, Corey made an uncommonly brave decision.  He chose to testify.  He wanted to prevent other children from living his nightmare. While he did more than his share to help others, it was too late for Corey.  His nightmare was inescapable.  Years of abuse by this clergyman destroyed Corey’s faith.  The house of God no longer provided any solace for Corey, so he sought peace the only way he could, through substance abuse. Corey will be remembered by his family and friends as the caring, bright and fun-loving young man whose future was stolen from him by those he trusted the most.  Corey is survived by parents Bernard and Cynthia Leech, brothers BJ Leech, married to former Stevi Nelson, Adam Leech married to former Cali Parker, son Jax Leech, Travis Leech, Joshua Leech, Rhett Leech, Christian Leech, Drake Leech, Jozef Leech, and Hunter Leech.  Maternal grandmother Martha Majoris, Paternal grandmother Katherine Leech and special great Aunt and Uncle Joseph and Dolores Fatula.  Aunts Uncles:  Gary and Kelly Leech.  Dennis and Jennifer Leech, Christopher Majoris and Heather and Fabio Beltrami.  Special friend, Kasey Law and good friend, Jim Munro.  Many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.  Friends and family will be received Monday from 2 to 8p.m.at the Francis G. Ozog Funeral Home Inc. Broad Street.  At the request of the family, private funeral services will be held at a later day. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Road to Recovery P.O Box 279 Livingston, New Jersey 07039.  www.road-to-recovery.org.  Road to Recovery is a non-profit organization that provides direct assistance to victims of clergy sexual abuse

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