Leroy Sabatelli

To say that Leroy Sabatelli lived a great life is an understatement.  Leroy lived an exceptional life and made an impact on many lives of those around him and he lived life going after "The Chase."
Leroy Sabatelli was born on June 29, 1925 in Old Forge, Pennsylvania to Joseph and Jennie (nee Pagnotti) Sabatelli.  His parents both were born in Italy and sought home in the United States.  Leroy had two siblings: Priscilla and William. He grew up on a Farm in NY that was adjoining to the Woodstock farm.  His family moved to Cincinnati in 1941 the year the Reds won the world series. He joined the US Army Air core in 1943 and was a radio operator on C46 and C45 planes and Honorably discharged in 1946 as a Sargent.  He had many stories from his 2 years in the service.  After the service he went to Miller School of business.  Leroy purchased the Sunset Inn in 1947 with his dad & brother. Leroy was the fry cook and ran the restaurant, his brother, William, ran the service station and his father, Joe, ran the Inn.   He met Virginia Heyob at the Twillight Dance Hall (now VFW) and was married in 1948.   They were blessed with two children: Mark and Toni.  Leroy was always going after the next "chase" in life and had many business ventures over his 95 years.  Being in the Army Air Core, he fell in love with planes and in 1948 got his pilot's license.  He even survived a plane crash in 2004. Leroy was also area sales representative for Goodyear Tire Company in Cincinnati.  Leroy was a great bowler as well and in 1952 Leroy went into the Bowling Business purchasing Frisco Lanes in Walnut Hills, Stones Lanes in Norwood and Durbin Bowl in Lawrenceburg.  His biggest accomplishment with bowling was the amount of money he raised for charity with his friend Glenn Schmidt, called "Bowl Down Cancer." Raising over $40,000/ year for 21 years that helped with supplies, transportation and hospital care for cancer patients.  Leroy also had many rental businesses, from office buildings, restaurants, service stations, apartments, I-275 Storage area and the Lebanon airport.  He retired from his business ventures in 1995.  

Leroy enjoyed his many friendships that he has made as well.  His coffee buddies, where they gathered at Burger King or at his home and taking coffee to his friends in the nursing home.  Leroy also enjoyed the game of golf and played on Monday's, Thursday's and took golfing trips with his golfing friends.  

On Friday, May 21, 2021, Leroy passed away at his home at the age of 95.  He was preceded in death by his wife: Virginia (nee Heyob) Sabatelli; parents: Joseph and Jennie (nee Pagnotti) Sabatelli; and brother: William P. Sabatelli.

Those left with many memories of love and support are his children: Mark Sabatelli and Toni Sabatelli; cherished grandchildren: Abby (Thomas) Galante and Zach (Samantha Hill) Sabatelli; beloved great Papa of Tony and Giovanni Galante; and dear brother of Priscilla Sabatelli.  Also survived by many friends and extended family.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 27, 2021 from 10 am until 12 pm at Brater Winter Funeral Home, 201 S. Vine Street, Harrison, OH 45030. Service to follow at 12 PM with John Calabrese officiating.  Burial to follow at St. John's Catholic Cemetery with Military honors provided by the Harrison Honor Guard. 

Memorials to Circle Tail, an organization that provides dogs to support individuals with disabilities. https://helpingdogshelppeople.org/give/

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