LEO J. FLAUTO

BOARDMAN - Leo J. Flauto, 62, died April 2, 2014, at his home, following a major motorcycle accident in October 2013.

Leo was born Feb. 17, 1952, the son of Mary (Kosach) and Joseph P. Flauto Sr. of Youngstown, both deceased.

He is survived by two siblings, Joseph P. Flauto Jr. of Evansville, Ind., and Patricia A. Flauto of Rocky River, a niece, Elizabeth J. Flauto of Chicago, and an extended family of Flautos in the Youngstown area.

He graduated from Ursuline High School in 1970 and completed a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Youngstown State University.

Leo built a career in insurance sales and estate planning since 1979, first as an agent for Bankers Life and Casualty and eventually as an independent agent and consultant. He was highly respected for his knowledge of insurance. His clients and customers were his priority in his business.

Leo was a music lover. He was an enthusiastic cook and food lover, declaring, “Few things are better than shrimp, bacon, and filet mignon except shrimp wrapped in bacon on the side of a filet, of course!” He was also an expert bartender, having learned the trade in the early 1970s. He carried the love of mixology with him the rest of his life. He pursued the perfect shiny new penny for the bottom of a Moscow Mule and mixed the outstanding Old Fashioned. He was also a talented photographer, an interest which he pursued through a minor in art at YSU. He chronicled the lives of family and friends with style.

Leo loved the outdoors, hosting pig-roasts and barbecues, camping at favorite sites, and touring the country coast-to-coast on one of the great loves of his life, his motorcycle. Taking advantage of every possible good riding day, he logged over 350,000 miles on his Goldwing and Harley touring bikes.

He was a member of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association and also a passionate sportsman. He was a member of the NRA and an avid shooter. A man of strong opinions, he had great love of his country and disdain for politicians of all stripes.

Despite being a self-described “eternal teenager in a rapidly aging body”, Leo packed a huge amount of living into his 62 years. He will be missed by a caring and close group of friends and family, to whom he was devoted.

“Please join us in a memorial celebration honoring Leo on Thursday, April 10, at 11 a.m. at the Davis-Becker Funeral Home, Boardman.”

Leo’s family requests memorial tributes take the form of contributions to the Mill Creek Park Foundation, c/o Administrative Office, 7574 Columbiana Canfield Road, Canfield, OH 44406 or a charity of your choice.

Visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences