GLOUCESTER: Leo F. Mondello, Sr., passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 11, 2012 with his loving family by his side. He was the beloved husband of Virginia A. (Larkin) Mondello. On October 21st they would have celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary.
Born in Gloucester on June 8, 1928, he was the son of the late Francesco and Francesca A. (Carbonaro) Mondello. A lifelong resident of Gloucester, Leo started working at a very young age with his father who was a cobbler and owned two stores in Gloucester. He then became the owner of the shop on Eastern Avenue and worked there for many years. Leo then decided to change his occupation to better provide for his family and became a fish cutter at Gorton’s of Gloucester until he was injured on the job and had to stop working.
Over the years Leo and Virginia enjoyed spending time together and would take scenic rides to New Hampshire. They also were known for watching the Boston Red Sox together and commentating on the game with each other. A few years back Leo enjoyed spending time in his vegetable garden and his children will never forget the plentiful amount of strawberries that he had grown. They seemed to multiply each year and began to take over the backyard. There were many good desserts enjoyed because of them. Most of all he will be remembered for being a man who was truly devoted to his family and friends. He cherished the times he had with his wife, children and grandchildren. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Marie T. Mondello and Cheryl A. Pierce and her husband, John all of Gloucester; a son, Leo F. Mondello, Jr. and his wife, Traci L. of Danvers; a grandson, Christopher L. Mondello of Beverly and twin five year old granddaughters, Nicole and Megan Pierce of Gloucester; two brothers, Frank Mondello and Joseph Mondello and his wife, Virginia all of Gloucester; three sisters-in-law, Gail Mondello of Magnolia, Margaret Telles and Elizabeth Avila both of Danvers and many nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by six sisters, Jenny, Josephine, Sadie, Frances, Mary and Stella and five brothers, Gregory, James, Anthony, John and Eugene.
A funeral Mass for Leo will be celebrated on Thursday in the Holy Family Parish, St. Anthony’s Chapel, 2 St. Louis Ave., E. Gloucester at 11 a.m. Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday in the Pike-Grondin Funeral Home, 61 Middle Street, Gloucester from 5 – 8 p.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. Interment will be held in the Calvary Cemetery, Gloucester.