Leo Pecoraro Obituary

Leo August Pecoraro passed away peacefully on Saturday April 22, 2023. Leo was born on June 22, 1946 to Josephine and Michael Pecoraro, and was raised in Chicago alongside his sisters Pat and Mary Jane and his brother Tony. He graduated from Northern Illinois Univerity in 1969 where he met Judy Marsden. They were married in 1970 and lived together for nearly 53 years. Together they raised a son, David.

For three decades, he worked for the Marshall Fields Company, beginning as a manager for a single restaurant, eventually serving as a district manager overseeing more than a dozen stores in four different states. His releationship with his fellow employees was one of friendship and mutual respect.

Leo was a lifelong Cubs fan. He loved to cook, enjoyed walking in nature and found peace in jazz music. However he is best remembered as a loving, caring husband, father and friend; ready with an eager ear, happy to share a story and a laugh.

Details of a memorial service, to be held this summer, are still forthcoming.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Tribune on May 2, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Leo Pecoraro

8 Entries

Chris Troksa

April 13, 2025

I´m sorry to have missed this. Leo was as nice bc a person as you could possibly know.

Wendy Vega

April 25, 2024

Dear Judy,
It´s the anniversary of Leo´s passing and I just want you know I miss him every day. Last year we lost all three of these great people.
I also wanted you to know I have a special place in my heart reserved for Leo as I´m sure many others do as well.
Love,
Wendy

Trish

October 1, 2023

Uncle Leo, what can I say except the truth. You were a loving, kind, supportive and genuine person. I always loved yours and Aunt Judy's company. I looked forward to the thought of a family get together either at your house or mine. The dish that you would bring to my home was overly generous and loved by all. I can remember times when you had a family get together at your home and you and Aunt Judy would cook one of the finest meals I have had in a very long time. Whenever I needed to talk or vent I could always count on you there with an eager ear and give me advice that really did help! Or even if I didn't need advice but just a sounding board you were there for that as well I could always count on you and Aunt Judy. You both always had my back and loved me unconditionally. I will miss you dearly and I will never forget about you. Please hang around for Aunt Judy and David I know that they need to feel you around them and feel all the love you have to give and just your presence would mean the world to them.

A moment last all of a second, but the memory lives on forever. When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. And that's what you are Uncle Leo a treasure one to be held dearly close to the heart and forever to be respected. In you I had more than an uncle I had a very very gentle friend. I remember fondly when I had parties at my house and I was making a turkey or a ham I could always count on you to carve them the job no one else wanted. You are always there with a smile on your face and carving utensils in hand to do the job that you did so well. So thank you Uncle Leo, thank you for being in my life and making it all that much more richer. I miss you and will miss you the rest of my days. I love you so much.
My sincere condolences to Aunt Judy and David may you always feel Uncle Leo's presence.

patrick doyle

May 2, 2023

Leo was my mentor boss at Marshall Field´s in the late 80´s. He was responsible for me to come to Water Tower from State Street to take over the food division. He was a great man. Such a big heart and a kind gentle heart. My condolences to the family. I would love to attend the memorial in the summer. Thank you, Patrick Doyle

Manny and Wendy Vega

May 2, 2023

My fond memory of Leo was the day he came to my account at De Paul University Loop campus.
We had an event that day and if you know Leo, he is a very hands on kind of Manager. So he rolled up his sleeves and tucked his tie away and joined us at the table to plate up the food. We were working with my friend and mentor Chef Bruce (Executive Chef for De Paul University Lincoln Park campus) and others.
Bruce and I knew each other well as we have worked together before with different companies. Because of this, we are quite comfortable talking about anything no holds barred and Leo was chiming in of course. I cannot say the topic of the conversation was but it can be considered unacceptable by today´s standards.
We continued working and conversing at the same time until the moment that Bruce said something and I quickly came back with a very sharp reply. The table got quiet and the work paused for a split second. We looked at each other and then just started busting with laughter. I have never seen Leo laugh so hard. He backed away a bit and was bent over laughing. We did good that day!
That is how I see and remember Leo. This wonderful man, very welcoming and full of smiles and laughter. Kitchen work is very stressful but having him around made it tolerable.
Leo took a chance with me and promoted me as Executive Chef of De Paul University Loop campus and for that I am truly grateful. He was also responsible for me meeting my future wife. Thank you Leo for the memories. It has been an honor and privelege knowing and working with you!
You will be missed.

Manny

Leo

This is my tribute to a very special person.
Leo Pecoraro ... what can I say. He was a one in a million guy!
He was kind and caring , but if he liked you then he´d move heaven and earth for you.
Leo was a promoter of people and I was one of the lucky ones . He was my mentor, brother, father and most of all friend. I like many others that Leo touched in his professional life, was guided with a steady hand and able to build a successful career. We had a very strong bond and we loved to laugh together. What made him such a unique individual was his ability to really care about people.

Now in the second chapter of my life Leo was my best cheerleader. I decided to get into the music biz. I started singing with a band. Leo began to refer to it as how Stella got her groove back. He checked in with me every week this last year that Ive been living in Arizona. He was one of my biggest supporters.
Between our great laughs filling Frango candy kiosks and supporting me as I started on a new life journey... we had a great bond!

I will miss him everyday of my life and I hope we see each other again.

Love ,
Wendy

Irv Flangel

May 2, 2023

Hello: I did business with Leo for many years when he worked for Marshall Fields. I was always impressed with his professionalism and the fine detail that Fields paid to their food quality and presentation. My sincere condolences. Irv Flangel

Janice Bolek (Coniglio)

May 1, 2023

Uncle Leo was such a nice man. He and Aunt Judy would always put flowers on my Grandma's grave. He always asked about my Mom and Dad as well. He was a very caring person and will be missed greatly. Aunt Judy, I will keep you both in my prayers.

Marianne Brooks

May 1, 2023

What a wonderful man! He will be missed. Condolences to the family. Love and hugs, Judy and David.

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