Leo Edward Rissanen

Leo was born in the Bronx, NY to Finnish immigrants, Jennie Latvatala and Eino Rissanen. He spent half of his life in New York and then moved his family of 10 to Norcross, GA in 1976. As a small child he lived briefly on a horse farm in Finland where he rode the horses which may have been the beginning of his love for thoroughbred racing. Leo and Mary went to many outings to the racetrack to “play the ponies”.

After high school Leo joined the Air Force where he served as a photographer. His photos of the Enola Gay were a great source of pride that he shared frequently with friends. He remained in the Air Force Reserves for many years after his service.

Leo was an accomplished baseball player. He was drafted by the Fargo-Moorehead Class C Minor Leagues. His pitching career was cut short by a shoulder injury. On his return home to New York in 1950 he was walking by Hardware Specialty Company when the founder called out to him, “Hey kid do you need a job?” The rest is history. He worked for 26 years in the New York office and then moved his family to Atlanta, GA to open the first regional branch. As Southeastern Regional Manager he remained the Big Guy and retired with more than 50 years with the company but remained on as a consultant.

Hooks was a nickname he acquired for his amazing curveball. Lucky Leo, his most famous nickname, may have been imparted by his fellow commuters on the Hudson River line as they traveled to work into the city by train. These men played some serious poker and Leo’s best hand a Royal Flush remained framed in his home for many years.

Visits to Yankee Stadium were frequent with his children. His love of baseball continued with season tickets to the Atlanta Braves. He was also a fan of the theater with tickets to Broadway, as well as, The Fox Theater of the Stars for date night with his daughters. The Sound of Music will always be a favorite of the family and Leo’s rendition of Edelweiss on the piano with his vocals will always be a sweet memory.

Those left to cherish Leo’s memory are his children: Donna Evearitt, Irene Wheeler (Joe), Ellen Sutherland (John), Barbara Rodermond (Steve), Russell Rissanen (Joanne), Thomas Rissanen (Rita) and Patricia Rissanen. He is survived by 14 grandchildren: Nicholas Perrone, Michelle Hackett (Cody), Melissa Johns (Brian), Eric Sutherland (Samantha), Christopher Rodermond (Lillian), Justin Rodermoned, Rachael Rissanen, Daniel Rissanen, Richard Rissanen, Katharine Rissanen, Hannah Hamilton (Madison), Kate Cape (Matt), Samantha Lawson (Koby), Elizabeth Rissanen and Austin Rissanen. Great grandchildren include Scarlett Hackett, Amelia Johns, McKenna Sutherland, Darwi Rodermond, Edgar Rodermond, Wyatt Hamilton, Merritt Cape, Hawkins Cape and James Lawson.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held for family and friends on Sunday, March 31, 2019. Reception at 2 PM followed by the service at 3 PM at Advantage Funeral Home, 500 Harbins Rd Lilburn, GA 30047.