God bless you Leo,

You are sorely missed, but never forgotten.

You're never forgotten, Leo. So many memories of being at Colosseum Pizza: You were always doing something; changing the towel rolls in the bathroom, wiping down the tables, going over to Dick's Supermarket and getting groceries for your meatball sandwiches, which by the way, were the best I ever had. Always filling up the toppings for the pizzas. Every once in a while you'd sit at the bar and talk with my dad. But just for a minute or two, then you'd be back to answering the phone and filling orders. So industrious, hardworking. And it just felt like home at your pizzeria. What stands out the most? Hearing you greet me, pronouncing my name so perfectly in your beautiful Italian accent. God Bless - Francesca Coronado

Leo…. You were always a dear friend to me….I’ll always Cary you in my thoughts  and prayers. Making pizzas along side of you was a true joy. I love you my dear sweet friend ♥️….…Ron Mills.

When I was little, I'd walk over to Colosseum Pizza expecting to see my dad. I knew on Fridays after work, my dad was almost always at the pizzeria talking with Leo.  As soon as I walked in Leo would call out my name - Francesca, then he'd serve me a soda. I wouldn't have to ask for one. I remember I had told my dad that I liked how Leo said my name. He told me that it was Italian, and Leo was from Italy. Leo then said to me that if I went to Italy, I'd see a lot of Francescas and that it was a very popular name in Italy. That made me feel very special indeed. I can still hear Leo call out my name as if I'm right there back at the pizzeria. Thank you Leo for the best pizza crust ever, for your generosity, and for your friendship with my dad, brother Mikey and me.  For your kinship with everyone you ever met. I have no doubt you're with your family and have caught up with my mom and dad. God Bless you.  - Francesca 


It was my great honor to have known Leo Sr. since he opened the Colosseum Pizza in 1967.  He was a warm, friendly, family-man who was generous with everyone. He and my father became great friends for life, and my father thought of Leo as his brother. In 1975, I started working at the Pizzeria when I was in high school, and Leo was a wonderful example of a hard worker. He was my first "Boss" and he taught all of us by example by being the hardest working person in the Pizzeria.  His generosity was only matched by his thoughtfulness and capacity for love and friendship. He had a great life, and he left two fine sons, Eligo & Leo, whom I am lucky to call brothers. Rest in peace dear Leo, and I am sure that you are in Heaven with Palma, your family, and friends. Thank you for being a great friend and a member of our respective families.
Mike Coronado


Leo, I remember the pizzeria and all the delicious pies you used to make. Tanino (Danny) and I used to frequent it quite often with Nathan, Chandra, and Isaac. I also remember Danny taking you and his father to get grape juice for the wine making. Plus, you were a great neighbor and family member. I still have a great time talking to your sons and reminiscing about old times. I am glad that you are no longer suffering, and you are with God. Say hello to everyone in heaven for me, give Palmira my love and say hello to nono Joe, and Tanino (Danny) for me.

My condolence to Leo’s sons Eligio & Leo Jr
Thanks so much for helping your Dad host
Some get together at your place.  Leo was
Very good to me: buying me breakfast
Once in a while at McDonald & letting me
Drive his car a few times & giving me persi
Mons & sausage. One time he brought his
Special oven and ingredients & cooked
Pizza for my Visiting Archbishop & friends
At my  backyard. Because of the above I
Told him I was as adopting him as my Italian
Godfather. May he Rest In Peace. I will
Remember him in my prayers!!


OBITUARY

Leo Bevilacqua

13 September, 1927 – 8 October, 2022

Lima Family Erickson Memorial Chapel

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services