Leo (Liborio) Peter Moscato Sr., age 83, entered into rest peacefully on December 21, 2018 at his beachside home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
He was born in Corleone, Sicily, Italy on August 28, 1935.
He immigrated to Ansonia in 1946 and then became a resident of Derby. He was the eldest child of the late Thomas and Rosaria Maniscalco Moscato.
Leo was employed by Romano’s Bakery in Milford as an apprentice baker of fine wedding cakes and Italian pastry.
Leo then served his country as a mortarman during the Korean War era in the United States Marine Corps. He took special leave to help with cleanup of the great flood of ’55.
Upon his return from military service he married Angelina Chiaro of Ansonia and raised his family in Ansonia and Derby. He was an originator and drill instructor for Young Marines of the Valley. He was a prominent property owner in Ansonia and Derby.
Leo was proprietor of Moscato Home Maintenance in Derby outfitting homes with fine custom cabinetry and remodeling. He and his wife Angelina owned and operated the fabled Olde Birmingham Restaurant in Derby where many from near and far dined in a unique and prosperous setting.
The restaurant attracted guests such as late JFK Jr., Jerry Vale, the children of the late John Wayne, and many other well-known celebrities, politicians and residents.
Leo was also actively involved in Derby city government elected as President of the Board of Aldermen and member of the Adriatic Marchegian Club.
He was very active in the celebration of Derby’s 300th anniversary, donating and constructing the “Derby” hat, a centerpiece of the attraction, where he came in second place for best beard.
He belonged to Holy Rosary Parish in Ansonia and St. Mary’s Church (Our Lady Queen of the Apostles Parish) in Derby.
Leo served two terms as President of The Edgewater Arms in Fort Lauderdale.
During his tenure he was much loved and appreciated for continually helping improve conditions to maximize the quality of life of all of the residents.
Leo was an extraordinary ballroom dancer, and walks to Lauderdale by the Sea pier and back on the beach, were a daily exercise. He was a weekly card player at the poker table as well as a fixture for his daily morning swim.
Leo was predeceased by his loving wife, Angelina, and his youngest brother, Dominic Moscato.
He is survived by his children Rosemarie Main, Leo P. Moscato Jr., Christine O’Connell and brother Michael Moscato.
Leo is also survived by six grandchildren: Alexander and Mathew Main, Joshua and Elliott Moscato, Ryan and Lauren O’Connell and many nieces and nephews.
Leo enjoyed a wonderful life in Corleone, in Connecticut and in his retirement years in Fort Lauderdale. He will truly be missed by all.
A mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady Queen of the Apostles Parish (St Mary’s Church) 212 Elizabeth Street, Derby at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 12, 2019 followed by burial at Mount Saint Peter’s Cemetery, 219 New Haven Avenue, Derby, CT.
Memorial contributions may be made to Boy Scouts Troop 3 Derby, CT 06418
