Leonard Lotito

Longmeadow - Leonard Lotito, 102, entered into eternal rest on Monday, November 7, 2016. Born in Italy on February 23,1914, he arrived in the United States in 1927 on his 13th birthday. He was the son of Francesco and Francesca (Lundi) Lotito. Leonard lived in Springfield for many years prior to moving to Longmeadow in 1969. Leonard graduated from the Springfield Institute in Business and from Boston University Correspondence Course in English and Math. He took the Civil Service exam in order to work in the U.S. Post Office. In Springfield, 5,000 people took the exam, and Leonard was one of the 128 who passed the exam. In a second exam from West Springfield, 500 people took the exam, 50 people passed it, and Leonard was one of the top 30 people who passed the exam. Leonard graduated from the International Barber College of Indiana Correspondence Barber Science Course. He graduated first in his class from Kay Harvey Hairdressing Academy in Cosmetology and Hair Styling. Leonard started working at the Court House Barber Shop in July 1937 at the age of 23. In 1965, he became the owner until he retired and closed the barber shop in July 2000 at the age of 86. For the 63 years that Leonard worked there as a barber, he enjoyed his work and the conversations and friendships with his customers. He made many friends and cherished each of them. Leonard was still driving his car at the age of 100. Leonard was a communicant of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Springfield and St. Mary's Church in Longmeadow. He enjoyed long walks with his wife, "Ann," working in his yard, crossword puzzles, history, and he was interested in political and government policies. He kept active throughout his life. Leonard was a devoted, loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was married for 69 years to his beloved wife, Antoinetta "Ann" (Curto) Lotito who predeceased him on November 11, 2010. Leonard leaves his devoted and loving daughter, Ann Perotti and her husband Frank of West Springfield, two grandchildren, Lori Ann Perotti of West Springfield and Lynn Doki of Aberdeen, North Carolina, two great-grandchildren, Margaret ("Greta") and Annika ("Anky") of Aberdeen, North Carolina, and his devoted and caring friends, Joe and Judy Mauri. "We love you, rest in peace, Dad...now, you and Mom are together, again, holding hands as always." The funeral will be on Saturday, November 12, 2016, at 9 am from the Toomey-O'Brien Funeral Home, 1043 Westfield Street, West Springfield, with a Mass in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 123 William Street, Springfield at 10 am. Burial will follow in Longmeadow Cemetery, Longmeadow. Visiting hours at the funeral home are 3-6 pm on Friday, November 11, 2016. Memorial contributions in memory of Leonard Lotito may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908, or to Shriner's Hospital for Children, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104.