Leo Joseph Porcaro, 89, of 119 East Elm St., Hornell, died
early Wednesday morning (March 4, 2020) at Strong Memorial Hospital, where he
had been taken by city ambulance after suffering a devastating fall at his
home.
Leo was born as Americo Vespucci Porcaro in Furci, Italy on
September 12, 1930, and was the son of Nicola & Angeline Porcaro.
When Leo was seven years old, his family moved to the United
States and settled in Hornell. While attending St. Ann’s School, the Nuns
renamed him to Leo Joseph Porcaro. He grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of
Hornell High School.
Leo was a veteran of the US Army, serving his country during
the Korean Conflict. He received the
Purple Heart Medal after being wounded in action.
For a brief time, Leo was employed at the former Erie
Lackawanna Railroad. For many years he
worked as a laborer for several construction companies, primarily for SJ Groves
& Sons Construction Company of Rochester.
While working for SJ Groves & Sons, Leo took part in many major
construction jobs throughout the Rochester area and the Southern Tier. Some of the more notable jobs were the
construction of Route 86, Route 390, Route 490, Route 590, the Inner Loop and
the Rochester War Memorial. He retired
from the Rochester Laborers Union.
Leo was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a
communicant of St. Ann’s Church where he had served as an usher. He was also a life member of the following
organizations: The Sons of Italy (G. Carducci Lodge), The Knights of Columbus,
and a member of the Hornell American Legion. He was the last living member that
was born in Italy, of The Beato Angelo Society, the Patron Saint of Furci
Italy.
An avid card player, Leo enjoyed playing poker and euchre,
but especially loved playing hearts. He
also enjoyed watching western movies and old western TV shows such as The Rifleman,
Bonanza and Loredo. He could never turn
down the opportunity to watch a classic John Wayne movie. Leo loved rooting for the Buffalo Bills,
especially during the Super Bowl years.
However, his greatest joy in life was simply spending time with his family,
especially his grandchildren. Leo was preceded in death by his Parents and his
brother, Donald Porcaro.
He was married on May 26, 1956 (63 years) to Joanne
(Secondo) who survives. Also surviving
are 2 daughters, Rene (Joe) Richardson of Alfred and Mary Magari of Syracuse; 2
sons, Richard “Rick” Porcaro of Byron, NY and Nicholas “Nick” (Kathleen)
Porcaro of Arkport; 10 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; several nieces
& nephews.
The family of Leo J. Porcaro will receive friends on Sunday
from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell,
NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be
celebrated on Monday at 2:00 p.m. at St. Ann’s Church with burial in the Bath
National Cemetery, Bath, NY.
Leo’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial
contributions in his name be made to St. Ann’s Academy, 41 Genesee St.,
Hornell, NY 14843 or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon
Funeral Home.
In recognition of Leo’s service to his country during the
Korean Conflict, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at
half-staff. To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.
