Joseph Lieto

1946 - 2021

Joseph Lieto
June 26,1946 - September 4, 2021
Joe Lieto died peacefully on September 4, 2021 after a long and heroic battle with cancer and Parkinson's disease. He was 75. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Joe was a long-time resident of Sebastopol, and was well known and much loved in the local Waldorf School community. Until 1995, he had a successful career in mechanical engineering as a civilian employee of the US Navy. In 1989, Joe co-founded the Willow Wood Waldorf School on his four-acre Watertrough Road property in Sebastopol. Willow Wood was succeeded by two charter schools, SunRidge (Waldorf Methods) School and the current residents, the REACH School.
A skilled and phenomenally energetic do-it-yourselfer, Joe personally built and/or maintained all of the school buildings, collaborating with the hundreds of volunteers who felt privileged to know and work with him. He had a deep knowledge of all things mechanical, a hugely generous spirit, and a wickedly funny but always good-hearted sense of humor. Along with building and repairing things Joe's abiding love was children. His most enduring legacy may be the continuing success of the REACH School, to whom he has bequeathed his land and buildings.
Upon Joe's passing, a friend and member of two of the school communities described Joe as "a kind and deeply decent human". All who knew him would surely agree.
Joe is survived by his sister Jan Pinto, brother in law John Pinto, long-time companion and housemate Lena, her daughter Alina, nieces and nephews, stepchildren, and many friends. A memorial service will be held at the REACH School at a later date.