Leo W. Bedell, Sr., died October 25, 2014. Leo was born in El Reno, OK on September 24, 1921. He graduated from St. Vincent High School and John Carroll University. During his senior year at John Carroll he entered the United States Navy V-12 Officer Training program. Leo served in the Central Pacific as Engineering Officer on LCI(G) 449. He was awarded the Silver Star for his action at the invasion of Iwo Jima, February 17, 1945. His heroic efforts that day resulted in the saving of his ship and numerous crew members.
Upon his return from duty in the Pacific after World War II, he married Mary Jo Costigan in May of 1946. They were the parents of ten children. Leo was employed by the Ohio Insurance Inspection Bureau and Ohio Farmers Insurance Company before founding his own business, Hastings-Bedell Insurance, in 1955.
He was a charter member of the Holy Family conference of the St. Vincent DePaul Society and served as its president for a number of years. Leo devoted over 50 years of his life in service to the poor through his membership in St. Vincent DePaul.
Leo was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was deeply committed to his Catholic faith. He was an active member of Holy Family Parish in Stow for over 60 years. Leo was an outdoorsman and enjoyed many trips to the Pickerel River in Ontario, Canada.
Preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jo, and son, Robert Thomas, he is survived by Michael (Patricia) of Akron, David (Christine) of Akron, Richard (Kathleen) of Stow, Terry (Alice) of Stow, Mary Pat Myers (Bill) of Stow, Leo (Beverly) of Cuyahoga Falls, Jack (Mary Beth) of Westlake, Jeanne Barrett (Jacques) and Ann of Cuyahoga Falls, 28 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, sisters Therese Long (John) of Akron, Margaret Long (Ted ) of Cuyahoga Falls, Patricia Long of Akron, and Joan Grace(Don) of Broadview Heights.
The family expresses its gratitude to devoted care-givers Debbie Brenn, Cindy Menner, and Crossroads Hospice of Northeast Ohio.
Calling hours will be on Monday from 4-8 p.m. at the Dunn-Quigley Stow Chapel (3333 Kent Rd. at Rt.91). Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday at Noon at Holy Family Catholic Church, interment Silver Springs Cemetery.
Donations may be made to St. Vincent DePaul Society – Holy Family Conference.