KENNEBUNKPORT- Leo A. Delapa, age 96, husband of Mary, passed away on March 18, 2019.
Leo A. DeLapa was born in Dedham, MA on November 22, 1922 to Rocco and Emma DeLapa, of Calabria Italy. He was the youngest of 3 children. His sisters Rose DeLapa and Mary Kenney, both of Dedham MA predeceased him.
Leo was a master of all trades. He had the record for sprinting at Dedham High School for many decades. He bravely served in WWII as a US Army Air Corps. Intelligence Officer in Italy. After his service, his first career was in music. He played the guitar, keyboard and mandolin. His band appeared on television in the 1960s. Ultimately he became a band manager. He owned several health clubs throughout the Boston area, he was riding his stationary bike right up to the end.
His next journey was as a professional photographer, starting out with portraits and weddings and graduating to become known in Boston as “The Photographer of the Stars.” Whenever celebrities came to the area, it was Leo who was called to document their visit. He has an amazing collection of celebrity photos. He then became an antique dealer owning several shops throughout Massachusetts and in Kennebunkport Maine.
Leo was the guy that everybody loved. He had a dry sense of humor, a kind heart and a sweet soul. He was very much loved and will be very much missed. He spent his time between Boston, Kennebunkport and Orlando.
He is survived by his loving family; his soulmate and lifelong companion Mary Gibran of West Roxbury, MA and Kennebunkport, ME and her three children, Toni Casamento on Sonoma CA, Marc Gibran of Kennebunkport, ME and Tracy Wahmann of Denver, CO. He is also survived by his dear friend and cousin Rosario Paparazzo of Boston, MA.
Leo passed away peacefully at the age of 96, on March 18th from pancreatic cancer.
Private arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton, www.mainefuneral.com