Anyone who grew up in Marion and participated in sponsored youth activities between the late 1960’s and into the 2000’s has an extremely high probability of having encountered Leo Dingrando. Leo selflessly dedicated uncountable hours of his time to youth programs and was a well-loved figure in the Marion community for nearly four decades.
Leo Junior Dingrando was born on June 11, 1935 in Marion at 704 W. White Street to Leo Dingrando and Catherine Duvardo, the youngest of four sons. He grew up as a devout member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Leo’s father was born in Palazzo, Italy on July 2, 1890. He emigrated from Italy in 1912 and after moving to Marion, established a grocery store located at 505 W. Main Street. His wife Catherine, was also full blooded Italian, but was born in Illinois. The couple had four sons, Joseph, George, John and Leo, who was the youngest. During the depression, Leo’s father had to quit his grocery business and like thousands more, turned to work at Ordill.
Leo grew up on White Street and attended Marion Schools graduating in the Marion High School class of 1953. He then attended and graduated as a draftsman from Southern Illinois University VTI, which taught vocational training courses in the old admin buildings of the Illinois Ordnance Plant on old Route 13, west of Marion.
He was then employed by J.T. Blankenship and Associates Engineering in Murphysboro, Illinois and retired after 39 years as a senior draftsman.
Leo served in the United States Army Reserves and was honorably discharged in 1963 with the rank of sergeant.
Leo served on the Novelties committee for the Williamson County Quasqui-Centennial in 1964.
He married Sheila Hoyer of Wisconsin on November 30, 1974 in Humboldt, Iowa.
Leo became active in the Marion community as a member of the Marion Jaycees in the 1960’s. He became a JCI Senator and received numerous awards. He worked on the flag pole and Marion City Flag project which is now a part of the Marion Town Square.
He became involved in the Jaycees Sports Jamboree and was instrumental in the development of the Marion Swamp Fox Track Club.
In 1985 he was honored with a Leo J. Dingrando Day. He moved on to become an integral part of the development and growth of the Marion Soccer program, serving in a variety of roles from coach, president, and most recently the facilities director.
He also served as co-chairman of the Annual Whirlwind Soccer Tournament. In 1993 he was recognized at the Greater Marion Chamber of Commerce Dinner with the Award of Excellence for Youth Service. In 2002, Leo and Sheila were honored for their support to the Marion Soccer Program.
In December, 2003, Marion Soccer, Inc. presented Leo with a marker at the Marion Soccer Complex that thanked him for his commitment and dedication to the youth of Marion. In January, 2004, he was honored by hundreds of family and friends at a Leon J. Dingrando Appreciation Dinner at the Marion Knights of Columbus Hall.
Leo was a member of the Marion Park District for one term.
He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 6210 and a lifelong member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church where he was a past member of the Pastoral Council.
Leo touched many lives through his community activities, his involvement with youth, and his helpful nature. He brought a smile to children and adults alike.
Leo, 69, passed away at 6:52 p.m., Thursday, July 8, 2004 at his home at 1306 W. Central St., after a nine month battle with cancer.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Joe and George.
Surviving his death were his wife Sheila; their sons, Jeff of Lexington, Kentucky, Kris of Denver, Colorado, and Greg of Evansville, Indiana; brother and sister-in-law, John and Ruth Dingrando of Marion; sister-in-law, Jolene Dingrando; nephews and nieces, Steve and Debbie Dingrando, Linda and Tom Vale, Laura and Ken Pind, Mary Pat and Mike Kornblith, Davie Dingrando, and JoAnne and Vannon Morse; brothers-in-laws and sisters-in-law, Bill and Betty Hoyer, Tom and Mary Hoyer, Marianne and Tom Dardis, and Sharon and Ed Dante; nephews and nieces, Kevin and Staci Dardis, Kelly Dardis, Christine and Christopher Bernard, Colleen Dardis, Bret and Angie Hoyer, Kelly and John Ward, Kasey Hoyer, Brooke and Christopher Holahan, Brian and Angie Dante, and Bret and Mark Dante; and several grand nephews and nieces.
The funeral mass was held at 10:00 A.M., Monday, July 12, 2004 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marion with Reverend Richard G. Mohr officiating.
Military rites were conducted at the cemetery by VFW Post #1301 and American Legion Post #147.
Burial was at Rose Hill Cemetery, Marion.
(Extracted from the Marion Daily Republican obit, July 2004; Federal Census Records; Marion City Directories)