Leo Krstec

Leo Krstec was born on May 6, 1963 in Panc'evo, Yugoslavia. He was the first born child of Jovan and Biserka Krstec. They loved in Pancevo from 1963-1969. In Pancevo, Leo's mother recalls Leo as a youngster. She has fond memories of how much everyone enjoyed Leo. She recalls that Leo was always trying to help others, and all the women would "gush" over his thoughtfulness.

In 1969, the family moved to the United States. Their new home was in Paterson, New Jersey, where Leo became an older brother. It was the three brothers, with Leo taking the lead, taking on Paterson. From riding bikes to climbing buildings, the three brothers were very close and definitely "All Boy" "All Day". Emanuel, Leo's youngest brother remembers how Leo used to bring home many presents for him while living in Paterson. Leo even bought Emanuel his first bike, in fact, it was so special to Emanuel, he still has the bike to this day.

In 1979 the family made another move, they moved to North Port, Florida. Florida is where Leo flourished. Leo started working as a carpenter. He became extremely skilled and Leo loved working with his hands. Soon, Leo fell in love, was married, and became a father to a beautiful baby boy, Robert Krstec. After his son's arrival, Leo began to work in the pool industry. Leo Mastered his craft and started his own business in the industry. He worked hard and enjoyed his work up until 2011. In 2011 Leo endured an accidental fall, in which he suffered a brain aneurysm. Leo's health was struggling and he made the decision to move back into his parents home, where he resided from 2011 to 2022. Leo's father, Jovan, will always remember these years. Jovan's heart softens when he recalls Leo always greeting visitors on the porch with a hug and a kiss.

Leo was more than a time line of his events. He brought humor into the lives of the ones around him. Leo's younger brother Mike reflected on a memory that the two of them shared a few weeks ago. When the brother's were younger, Leo asked them to play hide-n-seek. He told the boys that it will take a very long time for them to find him, because he had magic powers to turn into a very small person and could literally hide anywhere. They closed their eyes to count, eager to find him, and then Leo would slip out the door to hangout with friends, knowing this trick would keep them busy for a while... A few weeks ago, Mike and Leo had a great laugh at this "brotherly" moment. The laughter they shared between them is what Mike will miss about Leo the most.

Now Robert, Leo's son, had too many great memories to share them all. He loved the father and son days they shared on the boat. He loved that his father took him to work, and passed on to him, Leo's god given talent of working with his hands. Robert loved all the good times shared between them. Leo was deeply loved, and will be forever in the hearts of his family forever.

Biserka, Leo's mom grieves deeply for her eldest son. The burden of burying a child weighs heavy on the heart. Leo's family will look to the Lord, and will continue to share their memories and embrace their love for Leo. Leo loves in each of their hearts and will never be forgotten.

Leo was survived by his Father, Jovan Krstec; his mother, Biserka Krstec; his son, Robert Krstec; his granddaughter, Carmela; and his brothers, Mike, and Emanuel Krstec.

A visitation for Leo will be held Thursday, February 3, 2022 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Robert Toale and Sons Funeral Home at Palms Memorial Park, 170 Honore Ave, Sarasota, FL 34232. A funeral service will follow at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Palms Memorial Park.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmsmemorial.com for the Krstec family.