Rooney Family Tree

Pete Leo walked into heaven Jan. 2, 2014. He was born July 31, 1916, in Miles City, the son of Sam Leo and Mary (Ferrara) Leo. His sisters were Mary Jurica, Stella Banks, Lee Berry and Evie Jennings. He graduated from Custer County High School. He serviced in the Army in Korea and was discharged in 1946. He married Catherine Darcy on May 29, 1937. They happily raised three daughters, Mary Catherine Leo Spear, of St. Peters, Mo., Nancy Ann Leo Wilcox and Joan Leo Clark, of Billings. He is survived by two daughters, 12 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

Pete enjoyed 56 years of marriage with Catherine. They loved being with family and friends filled with endless talking, laughing and food. They loved to travel, usually road trips. They went border to border and coast to coast. They visited Canada, Mexico, Hawaii and Germany. Pete was an exceptional vegetable gardener and liked taking care of his yard. He had boundless energy, enthusiasm for the world, and utter good humor and faith. He was always and daily grateful for the blessings and richness of his life and all the people in it.

His work life included 21 years with the Milwaukee Railroad. The remainder of his work life was a backhoe operator for the city of Miles City until retirement. He enjoyed all his co-workers throughout his life. He donated his time and work to the Sacred Heart School and Parish as he was a lifetime parishioner. He was happy to have been of service and a member of the Milwaukee Service Club, Knights of Columbus, American Legion and VFW. He was happy to have donated over 13 gallons of blood in his lifetime for others. He funded a nursing scholarship at Miles Community College. He enjoyed sharing the last 18 years with his special companion, Donna Strom. They loved each other's company, sharing their time and various trips. He was well known for walking Miles with a greeting of a smile and a "thumbs up." His grateful, loving spirit shone from him. Love has been given and received.

We want to thank everyone who cared for and about him; the Jurica cousins, especially Kay, who came to be with him. The Gaglia family, the Strom family, Gary Field, Dr. Gallo, the hospice team and the extended care staff at Holy Rosary Hospital. We are grateful for each of you, family and friends who made his life replete. His feelings towards chocolate was the same as to life ù SAVOR IT! Happy Trails, Dadsie!

A vigil service will be held on Friday, Jan. 17, at 6 p.m. in the chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, Jan. 18, at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with burial following at Calvary Cemetery. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements.