Leo Dingrando

MARION-Leo Junior Dingrando, 69, of Marion passed away at 6:52 PM, Thursday, July 8, 2004 at his home after a nine month battle with cancer. The funeral mass will be held at 10:00 AM, Monday, July 12, 2004 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marion with Reverend Richard G. Mohr officiating. Visitation will be from 5:30 to 9:00 PM, Sunday, July 11, 2004 at the Blue Funeral Home in Marion, with a prayer service at 5:00 PM. Burial will be at Rose Hill Cemetery, Marion. Military rites will be conducted at the cemetery by VFW Post #1301 and American Legion Post #147. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Hospice of Southern Illinois, Marion Swamp Fox Track Club, Marion Soccer, Inc., or to the donor`s choice; envelopes are available at the funeral home or may be sent c/o Blue Funeral Home, PO Box 411, Marion, IL 62959. Mr. Dingrando was born on June 11, 1935 in Marion, Illinois to Leo and Catherine (Duvardo) Dingrando, the youngest of four sons. He married Sheila Hoyer on November 30, 1974 in Humboldt, Iowa. Survivors include 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 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. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Joe and George. Leo attended Marion Schools and celebrated his fifty year high school class reunion in September, 2003. He served in the United States Army Reserves and was honorably discharged in 1963 with the rank of sergeant. Leo graduated from Southern Illinois University VTI and retired after 39 years as senior draftsman for J.T. Blankenship and Associates Engineering in Murphysboro, Illinois. Leo became active in the Marion community as a member of the Marion Jaycees. 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 was loved and will be missed by so many.