Leonardo Salomone

Leonardo Salomone was born on September 3, 1923, in Terranova Di Pollino, Italy. His parents were Francesco Salomone and Rosa LaBanca. He was the youngest of six children. He had one sister, Maria, and four brothers: Giovanni, Antonio, Nicola, and Giuseppe. He is survived by his brother, Giuseppe, who currently lives in Laguna Niguel, California, and is now 98 years old.

In 1943 he was drafted in the Italian Army and fought in World War 2. Leonardo met his future wife, Filomena, in 1944, and they married in 1945. They had five children, Rosa, Domenica, Estera, Franco, and Maria. He was able to see all of his children marry and start families of their own. Filomena passed away in 2004.

In the early 1960's Leonardo's brother and wife, Giuseppe and Maria Antonia Salomone, sponsored the family to join them in the United States, so in 1969 the family moved to the United States and settled in Montebello, California, and lived there ever since.

His oldest daughter, Rosa, stayed behind to finish her studies, and his daughter Domenica, who had married the previous year, was living with her husband in Germany at the time. Rosa, Domenica and her husband joined everyone in Montebello a few years later. Leonardo and Filomena were happy that all of their children were able to join them in California.

It must have taken tremendous courage for Leonardo to move his entire family to the United States; but he did so, believing that his children would have better opportunities.

As the years went by, Leonardo had the opportunity to see the rest of his children marry and have children of their own. Rosa has two sons, Frank and David; Domenica has three sons, John, Leo, and Mario; Estera has two sons, Joey and Leo; Franco has a son, Leonardo, and daughter, Elisa; and his daughter Maria has three sons, Michael, Steven and Andrew. Leonardo also has 4 great-grandchildren.

In Italy, as well as in the United States, Leonardo always worked hard to provide for his family. He was reliable and kept his word whether at work, with family or friends. Leonardo was always honest, sincere, and kind, and enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

As a young man he learned to play the accordion and enjoyed playing it on holidays, and at family gatherings. He played traditional music such as the Tarantella, Mazurkas, and Valzer while family and friends happily listened and danced.

Leonardo also loved tending his large garden in the back of his house. Every year he would grow all kinds of vegetables and herbs, such as tomatoes, bell peppers, string beans, fava beans, lettuce, oregano, and grapes, and loved sharing the harvest with family, friends, and neighbors. Leonardo also loved making his own wine every year and enjoying during dinner with family and friends.

Leonardo and Filomena joined the Italian Catholic Federation, Branch 111 at St. Benedict Church in 1972 and has been a continuous member for 40 years. Because of his passion for the Federation, and all the good things it provides for its members and the community, he was able to have all the other family members join. For several years he took on the position of Correspondence Secretary and even though he was not proficient in English, he managed to write Branch articles to the ICF Bolletino newspaper providing updates about our branch. He always proudly wore his watch with the ICF logo.

In April 1995, Leonardo and Filomena celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary. It was a memorable celebration, and they enjoyed this special day with their entire family and friends.

After Filomena passed away, Victoria, who had taken care or her before her passing, came back to take care of Leonardo with cooking and house cleaning for a few years. She then had to go back to Mexico to take care of her mom. Amelia and then Olivia took turns in helping Leonardo during the last couple of years.

However, no one could replace the strong love and bond developed with Victoria and her family. Leonardo made several trips to Mexico the past few years to visit Victoria and her family, and they welcomed and treated him as one of the family. All of us in the family love Victoria and she will always be part of our family.

Leonardo tried to be strong and carry on without Filomena, but it was hard for him to be by himself. He was always there for family celebrations even when he was not feeling 100%. He enjoyed playing his accordion, to which family and friends danced to. He was really excited when his son Franco bought him a brand new accordion a few years ago, and also took him to a recording studio to record his music. Leonardo is now published with his own accordion music CD. He was very proud of it.

Family gatherings will never be the same, but we know that he is now at peace with Filomena. We love you, Leonardo. We will miss you.