Harry Orazio Leonardi

Harry Orazio Leonardi, 76, passed away on Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at his home surrounded by the people who loved him. Harry was born on March 28, 1941 in Oberlin to Harry and Margaret Leonardi.

Harry's passion for fixing things came at an early age when he began drag racing. He used to go out to the junk yard with a sledge hammer, gathering parts to fix transmissions on the dragsters. When Earl Roose, of Roose Auto Wrecking, found out what Harry was doing, he gave him a bunch of Chevy transmissions to see if he could fix them, and he did! From there, Harry's Autobody, a business he owned and worked at for the last 46 years, was born. What started out as doing body work and building trailers, quickly evolved into the "best place to get your transmission fixed" in town.

Hard working, passionate, and dedicated, Harry loved his work and his shop. He also loved to cook, fishing and boating, and occasionally bringing along eager grandchildren. More than anything, Harry loved his late wife, Carol, and their beautiful family. Married 51 years, Harry sold Carol one single tire for her vehicle in 1962. He let her buy that tire on credit, which guaranteed she'd be back in to the shop to see him, and that's where their love story began. Harry and Carol loved to travel together, go to the casino, and host gatherings at their home for their ever growing family.

Harry was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He leaves behind six children, Margaret (Lee) Sheets, of Ashland, Harry (Anthrina) Leonardi IV, of Wellington, Lisa (Douglas) McIe, of Cuyahoga Falls, James Leonardi, of Wellington, Carol (Dean) Hamilton, of Ravenna, and Michael (Kathy) Leonardi, of Wellington. Other family members include his 21 adoring grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; his brother Tony, of South Carolina and his mother- in -law, Emma Taulbee, of LaGrange. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol; father, Harry; mother, Margaret, and sister, Caroline.

Friends and family will be received on Thursday, March 15, 2018 from 5-8 pm at Norton-Eastman Funeral Home, 370 South Main Street, Wellington. Mass will be held on Friday, March 16, 2018 at 11 am at St. Patrick's Church, 512 N. Main Street, Wellington. Online condolences may be expressed at www.norton-eastmanfuneralhome.com.

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