Obituary of Nicola Leo

Nicola Leo was a man of many friends whom he considered as close to him as his family. If you had the privilege of meeting Nicola, you would know this to be true. You would think you were walking with a celebrity if you were to accompany him to the neighborhood restaurants and businesses throughout Yonkers and the Bronx. Even his children and grandchildren cant go anywhere without getting the question, "How is nick doing?" Born in the southern region of Italy in the town of San Mauro Forte, Nicola served in the Italian Air Force before moving to the United States. In 1960, he married his childhood sweetheart, Teresa Pentrelli, and two years later they came to the United States to settle in Yonkers, New York. Nicola came to the United States with the American Dream, to provide for his family and give them the opportunities that he never had. With a passion for cooking, he started the Donut Den & Pizzeria in Yonkers. His customers were warmly welcomed into his restaurant as if Nicola invited them into his very own home, and this allowed for a deep connection with Nicola and the Yonkers neighborhood. Throughout the 1970s, he built more restaurants throughout Yonkers but he is most known for providing Italian immigrants with the support necessary to create their business. Nicola has been a significant influence within the Italian-American Community throughout his life as depicted through his roles in the Italian National Club, where he served as President, and in the Son's of Italy in America, Anthony Maggiacomo Lodge, where he served as a trustee. He is remembered by his four children: Anthony (Rosella) and John (Jennie), owners of MidKnight Fuel Oil Co., Nicholas Jr (Kristine), owner of the Law Office of Nicholas Leo, Jr., and Rosanna (Steven), owner of Lake Ave Dental. He will also be forever loved by his 12 grandchildren: Nicholas, Anthony, Giovanni, Nicolas, Victoria, Teresa, Stefano, Sofia, Nicholas, Christopher, Chiara and Alessio.