Thousands pay respects to fallen Girard officer at Covelli Centre
YOUNGSTOWN
Officer Leo, 31, son of David and Patricia Leo, died Oct. 21 in St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital of injuries suffered in the line of duty.
A funeral Mass is at 1 p.m. today in Youngstown State University’s Beeghly Center, celebrated by Monsignor John Zuraw of St. Rose Church in Girard. Leo will be buried at Tod Homestead Cemetery after a private committal service.
Officer Leo had attended the University of Toledo and Youngstown State University before graduating from the YSU Police Academy in June 2009. Before his appointment to the Girard Police Department in June 2009, he had worked for the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Department and Vienna Township Police Department.
The Harts said they came to the calling hours to mourn and to represent their daughter, Nicole Hart Giudici of Florida, who graduated with Leo in 2004 from Girard High School.
Among the police in line were Warren Patrolman Michael Stabile and Lt. Greg Coleman, who knew Leo’s father as former members of the Trumbull County Chapter of the National Association of Wolves Club, to which David Leo belongs.
“Anytime it’s close to home it hits home,” said Stabile, speaking of the effect of Leo’s death on other police.
Al and Mary Leo of Austintown, members of the Leo family, said they were there to “celebrate Justin’s life and mourn his passing.”
Jamie and Lisa DeVore of Girard, attending calling hours with their children, Nick and Alexa, are social friends of the Leo family.
They described Officer Leo as a “great kid” they had known since he was a freshman in high school.
“When he saw me outside he would stop at my home and talk Pittsburgh sports,” said Jamie.
“He was good-hearted. He would help anyone,” said Lisa.
Like many others, Lio Comichista and his wife, Bice, and daughter-in-law, Ashley Comichista, of Girard, who do not know the Leo family, came to honor Officer Leo and his sacrifice.
“We appreciate their sacrifice and protection,” Comichista said of the police.