------ VIRGILIO LEONARDI ------
Veteran
Services were May 19 at Ferfolia Funeral Home for Virgilio Leonardi. Mr. Leonardi, 80, died May 13, 2008, at his home in Sagamore Hills.
Mr. Leonardi was born Oct. 2, 1927, in Garfield Heights to Antonio and Nancy Leonardi, both deceased.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving as an auto mechanic for two years at the end of World War II.
He owned and operated several service stations in the Summit and Cuyahoga county areas, as well as a package store. After many years of being a self-employed business owner, he worked for Gino's Jewelers.
He supported local law enforcement by organizing raffles, cookouts and other fundraisers and functions and served as a president and was a long-time member of the Fraternal Order of Police Association.
He enjoyed hunting for deer and elk with friends in Western states and was a regular at the Kentucky Derby, making the trip for many years with up to 21 close friends from the Cleveland area.
He was devoted to his wife and family.
Mr. Leonardi was the husband of Theresa, nee Mantifel, deceased. After his wife had a stroke, he would visit her faithfully and bring her home every weekend from the nursing home.
He was the father of John, Karyn (Bill) Marshall, Virgil (Jane), Theresa and Pat (Warren) Black. He was the brother of George, Jean Kroger, Julius, Bob, Orlando, Virginia Horvat and Oscar, deceased.
He had five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was an uncle to many.
Burial was at All Saints Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Hospice of the Western Reserve, 300 East 185th St., Cleveland 44119.