Thomas Vincent Letizia, 87, of Mansfield, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at Med Central Mansfield, surrounded by his loving family.
Born September 1, 1926 in Mansfield, he was the son of Joseph and Marianne Letizia. A member of Mansfield Senior High School class of 1945, Thomas enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served his country in World War II. He was a member of the 40th Naval Construction Battalion (Seabees), serving in Saipan and Okinawa. Through his service, he was awarded the Purple Heart.
Following the war, Tom attended Ohio University in Chillicothe, where he pursued the study of graphic arts. While living in Chillicothe, he met his wife, Helen Virginia Brown. Tom and Helen were married on November 24, 1951 in Chillicothe, Ohio.
Returning to Mansfield, Tom started his own business, the Letizia Lithograph Company, and was the owner and operator for over forty years. Fulfilling his dream of owning an Italian restaurant, Gaetano’s was established in 1988. For 3 years, Tom and his family served the finest Italian food in this area.
Proud of his Italian heritage, Tom served as State President of the Order of the Sons of Italy of Ohio, where he created the Italian American Law Officer of the Year Award, as well as the Sons of Italy Scholarship Foundation.
Tom was a member and former president of the Mansfield Sons of Italy, a life member of the Amvets Post 26, and the Voiture 20 Forty and Eight, where he served as Chef de Gare. He was a member of St. Peters Catholic Church in Mansfield.
For years, Tom enjoyed fishing, gardening, playing golf and cooking. He loved music, especially the big bands and singers of the forties. His greatest joy in life was spending time at home with his family. This was especially important to him during the past three years since the passing of his loving wife, Helen.
Surviving are a brother and sister-in-law, Joe and Kay Letizia of Dayton; children, Marianne Letizia Brown (Steve), Nancy Letizia Shear and Barbara Letizia Ross (Kyle); four grandchildren, Stefanie Brown Kellenberger (Kevin), Carly Brown Zuchak (John), Jordan Shear and Alayna Ross; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Helen; sisters, Mary Neil, Rose Hullinger, and Grace Bush.
Family and friends are invited to visit on Monday, May 26, 2014 from 4-7:30 p.m. at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road, Ontario. The funeral service, conducted by Father Jeremy Miller, will be held Tuesday, May 27, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Mansfield Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Monsignor Edward C. Dunn Foundation for Education.
Online guest registry at www.wappner.com
