Herkimer - Mr. Leonard F. Jacopelle, Sr., 82, of 328 Eastern Ave., passed away Sunday, May 8, 2011 in Valley Health Services.
He was born in Frankfort on March 11, 1929, the son of the late Michael and Antonia DiGristina Jacopelle. Leonard attended Frankfort schools and graduated from Frankfort High School and later attended college in Syracuse. He served with the US Navy post World War II and was Honorably Discharged on December 28, 1949. Leonard was married to Mary Meade on March 9, 1949 in St. Mary's Church, Frankfort. Mary passed away on August 30, 1958. He was later married to Jean Adams on December 29, 1967 in East Syracuse. He was at one time employed by Univac in both the Ilion & Utica plants and later as a representative for Met Life. Mr. Jacopelle was the owner and operator of the Madison Hotel for many years until his retirement in 1990. He was a communicant of Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church and a charter member and life member of the V.F.W Post 2338, West Winfield.
Leonard is survived by his beloved wife, Jean Jacopelle; three sons and one daughter in law, Leonard and Jean Jacopelle Jr. of Herkimer, Sam Jacopelle of TN and John Jacopelle of FL; one daughter, JoAnne Mergenthaler of FL; his grandchildren, Charlie and her husband, Rob Priola, Anna Jacopelle, Tina Jacopelle, Taine and his wife, Kelly Merganthaler, Tanya and her husband, Phil Burkhart, Kim and her husband, Josh Welsh and Freddy Merganthaler; eleven great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by five brothers, Michael Jacopelle on March 11, 1977, Vincent Jacopelle on October 24, 1983, Charles Jacopelle on July 6, 1996, Joseph Jacopelle on November 1, 2004 and Sam Jacopelle on September 29, 2008 and three sisters, Mary Caprice on June 24, 1991, Josephine DiMaria on April 10, 1996 and Nancy DeLorenzo on July 23, 2010.
His funeral will be held Thursday morning at 9:45 AM from the Petykiewicz, Iocovozzi & Burns Funeral Home, 329 S. Washington St., Herkimer and at 10:30 AM in Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Leo Potvin and assisted by Deacon James Bower. Interment will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Calling hours will be Wednesday from 3-7 at the Petykiewicz, Iocovozzi & Burns Funeral Home.
Leonard's family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the nurses and staff of Valley Health Services, 2E for the wonderful care and kindness shown to him during his illness and passing.
Expressions of sympathy may be placed on Leonard's online memorial page by going to www.iocovozzifuneralhomes.com