Leon Michael Rotella Sr.

Born on June 7, 1934, in Danbury, Connecticut, Leo was the son of Joseph and Ana (Donnainni) Rotella, who emigrated from Italy to the United States. He was raised in Danbury and graduated from Danbury High School in 1952.

Leon married Helen “Sis” Gore on September 16, 1956, in Danbury. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1957 and served honorably, receiving a Good Conduct Medal for his service.

In 1963, Leo and Helen moved to New Fairfield, where they raised their family. After barber training in the Bowery of New York and an apprenticeship in Georgetown, CT, Leo opened the North Street Barber Shop in Danbury beginning in the late 1960s. He later relocated his business to White Street, where he continued to work until his retirement and move to Toms River, New Jersey. Retirement did not suit Leo, and he returned to work as a barber in Toms River for several years. Following the death of his wife in 2003, he moved back to Connecticut to be closer to his children.

Leo was a member of the Danbury Drum Corps during the 1970s and 1980s, served on the board of UNICO National, an Italian American service organization, and was a longtime member of American Legion Post 60 in Danbury. He was an avid card player and pool shark, a lover of music, and a gifted story and joke-teller who never lost his sense of humor.

Leon was predeceased by his wife, Helen (Gore) Rotella (2003); his son, Leon “Mike” M. Rotella, Jr. (2016); and his brothers, Louis Rotella (2007) and Joseph Rotella (2023). He is survived by his children, Debora Keller, DawnMarie Rotella, and Robert Rotella; his grandchildren, Ashleigh (Beck) Testani, Richard Beck III, and Julia (Rotella) Ferrigno; and his great-grandchildren, Amelia and Lucca Testani.

A burial service will be held on Friday, May 8 at 10:30 in Wooster Cemetery, Ellsworth Avenue, Danbury.