In Memory of Leo Hundt

With profound sadness, the global NPH family mourns the loss of Leo Hundt, a longtime dedicated and generous friend.

Dear NPH Family,

I am writing today to share with you the sad news that our friend, supporter and hero Leo Hundt, passed away Friday, April 1st. Leo had been struggling with his health but valiantly kept up his activity level as long as he could including visits to the NPH homes until it was just not possible anymore. Our hearts go out to his wife, Mary Lou, and we will pray for both Leo and Mary Lou that God’s blessings and grace may accompany them always.

Mary Lou and Leo came to NPH through their friendship with Fr. Phil Cleary. They had been supporting NPH for some time, but when they retired in 1993, they felt they wanted to dedicate more of their efforts to supporting the NPH Family. They asked Fr. Phil how they could support the NPH Family, and to their surprise Fr. Phil invited them to become volunteers. They liked the idea but, of course, that was easier said than done. Most importantly, they knew that they needed to speak Spanish so they put a lot of effort into acquiring the necessary language skills and in 1997 they joined NPH Mexico as volunteers for a year. Mary Lou worked in childcare and Leo as a former high school principal helped to set up the high school program in Cuernavaca.

I was just about to ask Mary Lou how many children they had sponsored over the years when she said “Please do not ask me how many children we sponsored”. I do know that there were many and each one of them was important to them. Leo had this gift that children trusted him implicitly always seeking his company when possible.

After finishing their volunteer time, they moved to Naples but visited often one of the NPH homes, following their godchildren’s varied success and participating in important events such as quinceañeras or graduations when possible.

We are grateful for the gift Leo has been to our NPH family though we will also miss him. It is through people like Leo and Mary Lou, their love for the NPH Family and their support for and encouragement of what we do in so many ways that we are enabled to continue our mission. Please pray for them and also our NPH Family as we always pray for you.

Sincerely,

Reinhart Köhler
Board President, NPH International
Rancho Santa Fe, Honduras, April 4th, 2022

Read Leo’s obituary here ->

Celebration of Life Mass
Wednesday April 20, 2022
10:30 a.m.

St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church
625 111th Ave N
Naples, FL 34108

Memorials to honor Leo’s life and his unwavering support of the children of NPH can be sent to NPH USA. Please send your contribution to NPH USA, 20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 4000, Chicago, IL 60606-3193, or made securely below.

Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (NPH) means “Our Little Brothers and Sisters” in Spanish. NPH USA transforms the lives of vulnerable children in Bolivia, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Peru. Together, we help children overcome poverty and become productive, caring leaders in their own communities. Founded in 1954 by Father William Wasson, NPH is supporting nearly 8,000 children, both inside and outside our homes, ensuring they have a safe and nurturing place to live, an education, clothing, healthcare, and a strong family support system.

Donations to NPH USA, Federal Tax ID # 65-1229309, are tax-deductible as provided by law and help provide nutritious food, clothing, loving homes, health care and quality education to thousands of children in Bolivia, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and Peru. To read our Charitable Solicitation Disclosure Statements, visit nphusa.org/disclosure