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Obituary for Martin Leonelli

Martin Leonelli YOUNGSTOWN - There will be a Mass of Christian Burial held on Monday, Jan. 4, 2010, at 10 a.m. at St. Dominic Church in Youngstown, preceded by a 9:15 a.m. prayer service held at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4700 Market St. in Boardman for Martin Leonelli, 83, who passed away Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009, at Meridian Arms in Youngstown. Marty was born Aug. 18, 1926 in Youngstown to the late Phillip and Johanna (Dudley) Leonelli. He was a lifelong area resident. Marty proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1946, where he toured in the Pacific Theater, and earned the rank of Seaman First Class. He was awarded the following decorations, the World War II Victory Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the American Area Ribbon, the Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon, and the Point System. He married Carmel Cannatti on June 7, 1948, and had eight children. Marty retired from William B. Pollock Company after 40 years of service as an electrician. He was also the founder of Leonelli and Sons Concrete Company. Marty proudly served as a Mahoning County Deputy Sherriff and provided security for many years at the Canfield Fair. He was a member of Amvets Post 44 and The Mahoning Valley Olde Car Club, where “Hot Rod” enjoyed restoring and showing his classic cars. In addition to his parents, Marty was preceded in death by daughters-in-law, Patti Leonelli and Christine Leonelli; and son-in-law, Mario Gentile. Marty is survived by his children, Philip (Kathy) Leonelli of Canfield, Lou Leonelli (Cheryl Streb-Baran) of Youngstown, Marty Leonelli of Youngstown, Tom (Carrie) Leonelli of Youngstown, Bob Leonelli of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., Sharon Gentile of Canfield, Bill (Shari) Leonelli of Boardman and Dominic (Beverly) Leonelli of Boardman. “Papa” will be greatly missed by his 16 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Phillip Leonelli Jr. of Youngstown; sisters, Ruth Infante of Austintown, Ida Leonelli of Hubbard and Joann Lukach of Hubbard; uncle Nick Leonelli and aunt Della King. Family and friends may call Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4700 Market St. in Boardman. The family would like to thank the entire staff at Meridian Arms for the excellent care and compassion they gave to Marty.