Leo DelGarbino Obituary

Leo Frank DelGarbino Sr., 97, of Girard, Ohio, passed away peacefully on July 4, just one day after celebrating his birthday. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, Leo lived a long, meaningful life rooted in faith, family, and community.
Born on July 3, 1928, the only child of Frank and Anna Chieffo DelGarbino, Leo was a longtime resident of the Warren area and a graduate of Warren G. Harding High School. He began working at Republic Steel in 1947 and proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1950-1952. After his honorable discharge, he returned to the mill and retired from Republic Steel in 1989, completing four decades of dedicated work.
He married Frances Strollo in 1958 and together they shared 67 years of marriage and built a life centered around family, food, and friends. In 1968, they opened Parkman Road Dairy on Warren's west side – widely known for the original white pizza. In 1982, alongside his son Leo Jr., he opened Leo's Ristorante in the Market Place, later moving to its current location in Howland in 1989. These businesses became cherished community staples, known not only for great food, but for making everyone feel like family.
Leo was a founding member of the Westside Maple Leaf Club. After participating many years in the Warren Italian American Festival, he was honored to serve as Grand Marshall in 2015-an acknowledgment that reflected his deep pride in his Italian heritage.
Leo was a passionate sports fan and never missed a chance to root for his favorite teams: the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Guardians, San Francisco 49ers, and the Ohio State Buckeyes. He also loved traveling to visit family in Italy and spending winters in Naples, Florida.
Leo lived life with warmth, generosity, and an appreciation for the simple things. He enjoyed playing cards, golf, bocce, and was a proud champion of the traditional Italian hand game, morra. He also found joy in horse racing, bike rides in Naples, a good cigar, and sharing a drink with friends at the bar of Leo's.
Above all, Leo was a devoted family man. He is survived by his beloved wife, Frances, and their four children: Debra (Keith) Martin of Warren, and their children, Christopher (Michaela) Martin and Mackenzie (Brandon) Heidinger; Leo (Lisa) DelGarbino of Girard, and their children, Giovanna (Anthony) Sirna, Arianna (Nick) DeVore, and Nina (James) Melfi; Marc (Elizabeth) DelGarbino of Howland, and their daughters, Noelle and Olivia; Frank (Bethany) DelGarbino of Howland, and their daughters, Anna, Isabella, Mia, and Ava.
He also leaves behind four great-grandchildren: Antonella and Luciano Sirna, James Melfi, and Leo DeVore. He is additionally survived by numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Leo's life was a testament to kindness, tradition, and love. He found great happiness in working with family at Leo's. His presence lit up a room and his hospitality was unmatched. He will live on through family, treasured friends, and all who were lucky enough to know him, each of whom carries a piece of his legacy in their hearts.
Family and friends may pay their respects to Leo on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm at the Peter Rossi & Sons Memorial Chapel, 1884 North Rd NE, Warren.
He was a faithful member of St. Rose Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday July 10, 2025 at St. Rose Catholic Church, 48 Main St., Girard. Everyone is asked to meet directly at the church on Thursday morning to celebrate Leo's exceptional life.
Burial will follow at All Souls Cemetery.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Carl Nunziato Youngtown VA Clinic and his caregivers, Brianna and Missy. The family would also like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Heritage Manor in Youngstown and Southerncare Hospice in recognition of the care and compassion shown during his final days.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that contributions be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the St. Vincent DePaul Society.
Family and friends may visit www.peterrossiandsonfh.com to view this obituary and send condolences to the DelGarbino family.
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