Rev. Leo N. Sheltreau - Biography-1
Father Leo Sheltreau & His 1953 Elgin DeLuxe Watch​
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The Rev. Leo Napoleon Sheltreau (1910-1990) was a dedicated Roman Catholic priest who served the faithful of Michigan from his ordination in 1937 to his death in 1990. Leo was always involved with the youth of Michigan; by 1940, Leo was the Director of both the Detroit Diocese Boy Scouts and the Catholic Youth Organization, where he provided the scouting and spiritual leadership to young men for the next twenty-five years. ​ In 1956, Father Leo founded the St. John Bosco Church in suburban Detroit; he was the pastor there until his retirement in 1980.
In July 1953, Leo’s family gifted him a 10kt white gold Elgin Deluxe wristwatch for his 43rd birthday (July 31, 1953). On the back was engraved,
“Father
Leo N. Sheltreau
7-31-53”.
In December 2025, Leo’s watch was returned to his great-niece Susan Drapkin: “Father Leo was the brother of my paternal grandmother. He actually married my mother and father. I knew Father Leo and saw him many times when I was young. He was a soft-spoken, friendly and very kind man. His work as a priest touched many lives and he was much loved by his parishioners and our family. I am grateful that you took the time to research the watch and to contact me. That was so thoughtful of you.”