Obituary: St. Marie, Leonard “Leo”

ST. MARIE, Leonard “Leo” Died peacefully in his home on September 1, 2014 surrounded by his loving family and caregivers.

Leonard “Leo” St. Marie was born on August 9, 1925 to John and Rose (Rizzutti) St. Marie in Spokane, Washington.

He grew up in the close knit Italian Community of the North Central District of Spokane with his brothers Mathew (deceased) and John Jr. (deceased).

From a very young age he worked with his father in the family produce business at the Market Basket on North Division Street.

After attending North Central High School, Leo entered the US Army.

He served his country proudly at the young age of 18 during World War II as an MP (military police) in France, Germany, Austria and Belgium.

After being discharged from the Army, Leo returned home to Spokane and continued to work with his father at the Market Basket.

In 1944 when home on leave from the Army, Leo met the love of his life, Antonia (Toni) Polillo of Lewiston, Idaho.

After a long courtship and engagement they were married in 1949 at St. Aloysius church in Spokane.

In 1950, Leo began his long career in the furniture business at Garcia Furniture on North Division Street.

In 1960, Leo founded National Furniture Stores and owned and operated the stores until 1988 at locations on North Division Street in Spokane and in Lewiston, Idaho.

In 1989, Leo founded Leonard’s Furniture Store still on North Division Street.

He owned and operated this store until his retirement in 1992.

Leo was proud to say that his entire working career from the young age of 9 was spent on North Division Street.

Leo loved and enjoyed his long career in the furniture business.

Leo enjoyed spending his free time with his family, working in his yard, reading and traveling.

He and his wife Toni and daughter Lori were able to enjoy many great trips and memories throughout the world together.

Leo was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, brother-in-law and uncle.

He valued his extended families greatly-whether it be the St. Marie/Rizzutti’s, the Polillo’s or the Reillo’s.

He always enjoyed the times they all spent together over the years.

We will all miss this strong, quiet, patient man who was always there for us whether we called him husband, father, grandpa, brother-in-law, uncle or friend.

The family would like to thank all of the caregivers who gave Leo such wonderful care in the last few years of his life and especially Holly, Roxanne and Angie who were a blessing to us all in the last days.

Leo was preceded in death by his parents John and Rose (Rizzutti) St. Marie, his brothers Mathew St. Marie and John St. Marie, Jr. Leo is survived by his loving wife of nearly 65 years, Antonia (Toni) St. Marie, his daughter, Lori St. Marie, his son-in-law, Luigi Reillo and granddaughter, Cristina Reillo and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers please consider contributing to Gonzaga Preparatory School or Catholic Charities or the Poor Clare Nuns.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 5th from 2 to 7 pm at Hennessey Funeral Home & Crematory (2203 N. Division) with a Vigil Service following at 7 pm.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, September 6th at 11 am at St. Augustine Catholic Church (428 W. 19th).

Interment will take place at 3 pm at Holy Cross Cemetery.

To view Leo’s online memorial, please visit www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com.