Leo J. Smedile, age 91, oldest living retired policeman in the City of Salem, died Sunday, November 4, 2012 at the Devereux House in Marblehead, following a brief illness. He was the devoted husband of the late Sophie F. (Kobuszewski) Smedile.
Born and raised in Salem, he was the son of the late Stephen and Filippa (Guinta) Smedile. A veteran of World War II, he served with the U.S. Coast Guard. Prior to joining the Salem Police Department, Leo worked as a machinist at the Charlestown Naval Yard. Once on full time duty, he worked the traffic box in Salem Square and eventually became one of the first motor cycle patrolmen for the city. During his early years on the force he saved the grandson of a Salem boatyard owner from almost certain death due to a gasoline explosion. Throughout his career, he escorted many leading political figures including the then Senator John F. Kennedy.
Leo enjoyed spending time with his family and especially his grandchildren. Most of his life he was an avid fly fisherman, fishing for salmon and trout in the northern U.S. and Canada. In later years he left fishing to take up golf at a more leisurely pace. Leo was a life member of the Knights of Columbus Salem Council 76 as well as a Past Grand Knight.
He is survived by three daughters, Patricia Smedile and her companion Carol White of Topsfield, Janice Charlton and her husband Scott of Salem, Susan Previte of Danvers, a son, James S. Smedile and his wife Rosemary of N. Andover, a brother, John S. Smedile and his wife Judy of Florida, 2 sisters-in-law, Louise Smedile of New Hampshire and Theresa LeBel of Salem. He also leaves 7 grandchildren, Christopher & Timothy Smedile, Capt. Ryan Smedile, U.S.Army, Nicholas, Taylor & Patrick Charlton and Corrine Previte, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Joseph A. Smedile.
Relatives and friends are invited to gather at the Levesque Funeral Home, 163 Lafayette St. [Rt. 114 / 1-A] Salem on Friday at 8:45 A.M. to be followed by his funeral mass in St. Thomas the Apostle Church on the Salem / Peabody line at 10:00 A.M. Visiting hours will be Thursday 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Salem. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Salem Police Relief Assoc., 95 Margin St., Salem, MA 01970. For guestbook and additional information, please visit www.LevesqueFunerals.com