Leo P. Chirello

Obituary of Leo P. Chirello Leo P. Chirello, 86, of Fulton, passed away on Saturday, October 6th at St. Joseph’s Hospital surrounded by his family following a long illness. He retired from the Sealright Company in Fulton after 45 years as a graphic designer and department manager. Leo was an active member of the Fulton Lions Club for more than 40 years, where he served as president and was awarded a Melvin Jones Fellowship, Lions International’s highest service award. He is responsible for the graphic design of posters and logos for many of the club’s service projects, including Charby’s Duck Derby, Lions Loot, Comedy Night, Pancake Breakfast, Swing 4 Service, and many more. As a freelance graphic artist, Leo designed the official seal of the City of Fulton, the logos for Fulton’s Cracker Barrel Fair, the Holy Family Church Bazaar and contributed his keen creativity to many projects for local businesses. Leo was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War, serving in combat with a heavy mortar company in the 45th Infantry Division “Thunderbird.” He was recognized for his service as a member of Syracuse Honor Flight, Mission 09 in April 2017. He was an active communicant of Holy Family Church, serving as a lector, and on many committees. After the church closed, Leo attended St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton Church in Baldwinsville He also enjoyed dancing, bowling, golf and Syracuse University football and basketball. Above all, Leo loved being a dad, grandfather and great-grandfather. Surviving are his beloved wife of 65 years, Rita Pastena Chirello; children, Stephen (Cathy) Chirello of Fulton, Mary Mullaney of Kingston, JoAnne Sherwood of Camillus, Patricia (Nicholas) DeGelorm of Fulton and Leo A. (Daphne) Chirello of Seattle, WA; grandchildren, Gina Sherwood of Vermont, Greg and Douglas Sherwood of Oswego, Caitlin (Jeff) Besio and Mary Chirello of Baldwinsville, Patrick (Patti) Mullaney of Syracuse, Daniel Mullaney of New York City, Bella DeGelorm and Anthony DeGelorm both of Fulton; great-granddaughters, Maeve Mullaney of Syracuse and Emily Besio of Baldwinsville; his sister, Catherine (William) Langdon of Fulton and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Leo and Mary Cosemento Chirello; brother, Anthony Chirello and sister, Mary Cortez. Calling hours are from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 10th at Foster Funeral Home, 910 Fay Street, Fulton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 11th at St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton Church, 3494 Route 31, Baldwinsville, NY. Contributions are encouraged to the Fulton Lions Club, P.O. Box 727, Fulton, NY 13069.