Leonard Joseph Fulco passed away at his home in Natrona Heights, Pa. on April 19 at age 85 from complications related to lymphoma. His wife of 64 years, Mary Lou Fulco, and his five daughters helped him on his journey.
Len was a first-generation Italian-American, born in Pleasantville, N.Y. where he attended high school, played football and worked in his father’s grocery store. He was an industrious person all of his life. He was also very smart, earning top grades in math, science and English throughout his school years.
Despite various scholarship offers from top universities, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps shortly after high school graduation and served his country in the Korean War. He met his soon-to-be-wife Mary Lou at the end of his service while stationed in Miami. After their marriage, he earned his B.S. in Electrical Engineering at Purdue University as a young married man with two infant children.
Upon graduation, he accepted an engineering position with PPG Industries, where he worked for 38 years. During that period, he became a process control expert, managing process control system design for PPG’s state-of-the-art glass and paint plants in Pittsburgh, Meadville and Carlisle, Pa. , Huntsville, Ala.
, Denmark and Taiwan. He was known for bringing in projects on time and on budget. Len was a true family man in every sense.
He and Mary Lou raised and educated five daughters. His love for his girls knew no limits. He showed the same devotion to his eight grandchildren, and was recently blessed with a great granddaughter.
He was a devout Roman Catholic and long-time member of Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament Parish in Natrona Heights. He valued hard work, industriousness, education and patriotism. As an engineer, he could fix anything.
He loved animals, especially dogs and was a great companion to Max, a sheltie, and Ginger, a golden retriever. Following retirement, Len became a prolific vegetable gardener, known for his garlic, tomatoes, butternut squash, Swiss chard and peppers. His harvest was so robust that he often distributed vegetables to his doctors, insurance agents, neighbors and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou, his daughters, Diane Wagoner, Michele Wells, Joanne Fulco, Lois Latorra and Christine Fulco, his grandchildren, Christopher Wagoner, Timothy Wagoner, Jonathan Wagoner, Makenna Coon, Riley Coon, Maria Latorra, Leah Latorra and Seana Fulco, and a great granddaughter Stella Wagoner. A private family service will be held to honor his exemplary life. Those wishing to make contributions in his name should consider Pets for Vets, which matches emotionally and physically wounded veterans with shelter dogs.
Arrangements are under the care of the Cicholski-Zidek Funeral Home, Inc. 1522 Carlisle St. Natrona Heights 724-224-8688. To send and on line condolence please visit www. cicholski-zidekfh.com.
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