Local Death Notices

Last Updated on Friday, 28 December 2018 14:35

Leo Bandini, 97, formerly of Donora, PA, passed away December 3, 2018. He passed away peacefully, at home, surrounded by family.

Bandini, Leo

Leo Bandini was born in Gallatin, Pennsylvania, a son of the late Alfred and Elizabeth (Fretina) Bandini. He graduated from Elizabeth High School in Pennsylvania and
served honorably in the United States Army, 1942-1945, during World War II. Leo was stationed at Trinidad and Dutch Guiana where his unit guarded aluminum ore mines used to make bombers and fighter planes. After becoming First Sergeant, he was transferred to Camp Joseph T Robinson in Arkansas where he conducted and
supervised artillery training for new recruits.

Leo married his cherished love, Anna, in 1946 and they lived a beautiful life together for over 71 years. Leo and Anna lived in Elizabeth and Clairton, Pennsylvania before moving to California where they lived in Richmond and Pinole. They raised their 3 children with caring, traditional family values and unwavering dedication. During Leo’s career, he was an auto mechanic, an auto body shop manager and a machinist. He earned teaching credentials in 1964 and he worked evenings, for many years, as an Auto Mechanics instructor at Peralta College in Berkeley, California. In 1994, he and Anna retired to Sun City West, Arizona. In retirement, Leo drew pleasure from gardening, golf, fitness (even riding his bicycle well into his 90’s!) and in being a loving grandfather. Leo always remained devoted to Anna and became her sole caregiver during the last few years of her life.

Leo is predeceased by his wife Anna (Firczak). He is survived by his children: Leo Bandini (wife Julie) of Burbank, CA, Beverly Ricci (husband Richard) of Palm Desert,
CA and Diane Lukza (husband Michael) of Rocklin, CA. His loss is deeply mourned by his loving grandchildren Michael Bandini, John Coppa and Joseph Coppa and his 7
great grandchildren. Leo is also precedeased by 4 brothers, William (Bill), Alfred (Al),
Angelo (Buddy) and Charles.

A private service, with full military honors, will be held at the National Cemetery in Riverside, California on January 4, 2019