Rizerio John “Reno” Deleo of Orlando, Florida and formally of Orange, passed away on December 8, 2018.
Born on September 9, 1923 to Genarino and Lucia (Liparulo) Deleo, Reno grew up and lived in Athol most of his life, graduating from Athol High School in 1941. Following high school he served in the United States Navy during World War II.
Reno moved to Orange with his wife, Ruby, in 2007 and they spent their winters in Silver Springs, Florida.
Reno was employed by the town of Athol as a police officer for 18 1/2 years. He and his wife owned and operated the former Elray’s Cabins on South Main Street for 25 years, owned and operated a used car business, a fruit and vegetable stand, and was a licensed auctioneer, conducting many auctions throughout the years. He also did upholstery and operated a flea market for more than 50 years.
He served as Athol’s Dog Officer for 15 years and built the first dog pound in town on Lake Ellis Road. He served on the personal board of the Finance Committee, was Chairman of the Athol Housing Authority, Chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals, as well as serving the town in many other capacities. He was a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans Post in Athol.
Reno enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards with his family and friends, and a good game of bocce as well as attending auctions.
Reno was one that could accomplish any task, big or small.
Reno was predeceased by his wife Ruby; brothers, James and Stanley Deleo; sisters, Louise, Josephine, Mary, Caroline, Theresa, Antoinette, and Rose and great-grandson, Austin.
He is survived by his son James Deleo and his wife, Susan, of Orlando, Florida; daughter, April Flagg of Orlando, Florida; sister, Marion Fehay of Springfield, MA, grandchildren, Adam Deleo and his wife, Kara, Matthew Deleo, Jessica DeWitt and her husband, James, and Jennifer Lepouttre and her husband, Josh; 12 great-grandchildren, Tyler, Trever, Brianne, Travis, Benjamin, Christian, Dawson, Kendall, Parker, Nicholas, and Rebecca; sisters-in-law, Stella and Emily Deleo both of Athol, and several nieces and nephews.
A Calling Hour will be held on Thursday, January 10, 2019 from 10-11am in the Higgins O’Connor Funeral Home with a service immediately following at 11. Burial will be in Silver Lake Cemetery.
To leave an online condolence please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com
Mack Family Funeral Home, Higgins O’Connor Chapel, 146 Main St. Athol is assisting the family with arrangements.