Mr. Leon J. DeBernardis, Sr. Esq.

Mr. Leon J. DeBernardis, Sr., Esq., age 84, passed away on Friday, May 17, 2013 in the comfort and dignity of his home with his loving family by his side. Born in Herkimer on December 1, 1928, Leon was the son of the late Anthony and Vivien (Harper) DeBernardis. Raised and educated locally, he graduated from St. Francis De Sales High School and later attended Syracuse University School of Law in 1956. A proud veteran of the United States Army, he honorably served his country until May of 1952. On September 6, 1954 he married the former Carolyn “Carol” Giannatelli and together they shared not only a 58-year union of matrimony, but also an alliance of their professional lives. He affectionately referred to Carol as “Mother”. Leon began his practice of Law working for the late John Tierney, Esq. for a number of years. He later established his own practice specializing in Matrimonial Law and Bankruptcy. He was a man of true worth and compassion, always looking out for the best interests of his clients during his practice of over 50 years. Leon put others before himself, often not accepting legal fees and in addition, providing families with food and presents during the holidays. A simple man, Leon would spend Saturdays at the car garage with his friends. He cherished his family and made it a point to see his own mother every day. He enjoyed going to his camp at Caroga Lake every weekend where he held a great passion for the serenity and beauty of the water and the natural environment. He was a keen car enthusiast. He cherished his canine companion Charlie. Leon had a lifetime affiliation with Boys Town, a charitable organization dedicated to the housing and education of at-risk children, founded by Father Flanagan, and he was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a parishioner of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where he served as the Head Usher for nearly 50 years. Leon is survived by his wife, Carolyn; his daughters and son-in-law, Susan G. Augusto, and Patty and Harry Scaramella, all of Utica; he cherished the memories of his daughter, Celeste Ann, and his son-in-law, David A. Rositano, who preceded him; and his son, Leon Jr. and Mia DeBernardis of Utica; his grandchildren, Matthew David and his wife Sara Rositano, Valerie Grace and Mike Tomaselli, Amanda Marie Rositano and her husband Tony Lawrence, Thomas John DeBernardis, Alison Augusto, Eric Augusto, Carolyn and her husband Matthew Montalbo, Alexandra Scaramella, Matthew Stevenson,and the beloved memory of his grandson, Marcus Joseph Rositano, who passed before him; and his great-grandchildren, Isabella, Alexis, Lucy, Ollie, Charles, Alexander, and Sofia. Also left to mourn his passing are his sisters and brother-in-law, Anna Trevisani of Utica, Regina Belt of Chicago, and Angela and Richard Zarski of CA; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his brothers and sister-in-law, Claude and Beverly DeBernardis, and Anthony Albert DeBernardis; and his brothers-in-law, Frank Trevisani, and Ralph Belt. The family sends heartfelt appreciation to Leon’s personal caregivers, Rebecca Potter, and Judith Rositano for their timely response to the family’s needs; and the nurses and staff of Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., for their care and concern. Visitation will be held Monday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Memorial contributions in Leon’s honor may be considered to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc.; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Leon’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Tuesday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Joseph Salerno. Interment with Military Honors will follow graveside at Forest Hill Cemetery.

Mr. Leon J. DeBernardis, Sr. Esq.

December 1, 1928 - May 17, 2013