Leah Piteo

Leah Christine Piteo, age 16, lost her valiant battle with depression on Tuesday, April 12, 2011. Leah was born in Westerville, Ohio on May 22, 1994. Leah was her parent’s bright and shining star and was born with a smile on her face. She was her brother’s closest confidante and her sister’s best friend. She had a special relationship with her father, “Tomas”, and he with his “Leah Bug”. Leah was a junior at Olentangy Orange High School as well as Columbus State Community College. She was a member of the National Honor Society, was involved in the orchestra, and never missed an opportunity to persuade others of her convictions through spirited debate. She was a talented musician having taught herself to play six different instruments. Leah had unlimited creativity and excelled at writing and the arts. Leah will be remembered for her compassion for children and animals and her magical personality. She is survived by her loving parents, Thomas Piteo and Carol Ray; brother, Michael Piteo; sister, Mary Elena Piteo; grandparents, James and Judy Ray; aunts and uncles, Susan Ray and Joseph Finocchio, Mary Ray and Alan Houser, Christine and Mark Toscano, Reynette Magyari, Patricia Burnell, Paula Piteo-Swisher (Jim Halk), Mary (Jim) Fortier, Patrick (Becky) Piteo, Andrew (Cindy) Piteo; her best friends and cousins, Sarah and Matt Finocchio, Josh and Sophie Toscano, Sam and James Houser, Christina Piteo and special friend, Meghan MacMillan; a special thanks to cousins, Libby and Gary Campbell. Leah is preceded in death by grandparents, Donna and Donald Piteo; and great aunt, Linda Schromm. Family will receive friends on Sunday, April 17, 2011 from 1-4pm with a memorial service at 4pm at Schoedinger Worthington Chapel, 6699 North High Street, Worthington, Ohio 43085. Memorial contributions can be made in Leah’s name to North Central Mental Health Services, Teen Suicide Prevention, 1301 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43201 or the Capital Area Human Society, 3015 Scioto Darby Executive Court, Hilliard, OH 43026-8990. A special thank you to the staff of OOHS for their support and help, especially Debra Harry. Also thank you to the Delaware Sheriff’s Department and Orange Township Fire Department. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to send condolences and share memories.