Frank "Leo" Levio Gibertini

Frank "Leo" Levio Gibertini, age 97, of Fish Lake, Indiana, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2023, at Northwest Health La Porte. Leo was born in Chicago, Illinois, on March 14, 1926, to Silvio and Elvira (Abbott) Gibertini. He was a man of many talents, with a heart full of laughter and love, who will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

On June 20, 1953, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Leo married the love of his life, Mae Forstner, who survives him. Together, they built a beautiful life and family, which includes their three sons, Robert, Gary (Julie), and Frank Gibertini, as well as four grandchildren, Valerie (Alejandro Diaz) Gibertini, Kate Gibertini, Tony (Christie) Gibertini, and Amy Kachuta. Leo was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Vinny and Gino Gibertini. He is survived by his sister, Joyce Arlasky of Pompano Beach, Florida, and numerous nieces and nephews. Leo was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Ronald Gibertini.

In his younger years, Leo held several jobs, including being a Loan Officer for Local Loans, Inc., a Fire Truck Engineer for U.S. Steel, and his favorite career as a top salesman for Chapman Industries, the leader in the Auto Alarm Industry. However, his true passion was music. A talented clarinet and saxophone musician, Leo continued playing while serving in the Navy during World War II in the Pacific Theatre. His love for music never waned, and he continued to play and entertain throughout his life.

Leo enjoyed traveling with Mae, especially to Hawaii and Mexico, where they created many beautiful memories together. He loved Italian cooking and pheasant hunting and took great pride in training hunting dogs. Later in life, he enjoyed watching movies and television, always with a boisterous and contagious laugh that would fill the room. Described by those who knew him as funny, intelligent, and selfless, Leo's presence was a gift to all who had the pleasure of spending time with him.

As Mark Twain once said, "The secret of success is making your vocation your vacation." Leo embodied this sentiment by turning his passions into a fulfilling career and a life filled with laughter and love. His legacy will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of those he leaves behind.

Leo's family and friends will remember him not only for his many accomplishments and talents but also for his unwavering love and devotion to his family. He was a beacon of light and joy in the lives of those who knew him, and his memory will forever be cherished.

Rest in peace, Leo Gibertini - a remarkable man who brought laughter, love, and music into the lives of those fortunate enough to know him.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 5 pm on Friday, June 9, 2023, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center. Leo and Mae's “adopted” daughter, Diane Cruz will officiate.  Full Military Honor’s will be conducted during the service.

A time of visitation will be held from 2 pm until the time of the service on Friday at the funeral home.  Cremation will take place following the service. 

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family c/o Mae Gibertini, 2900 Monroe St., La Porte, IN  46350.  
                           
Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.cutlercares.com. 

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