Leone Alessandro Genetti

(June 17, 1887 – March 12, 1962)

Published in the Hazleton Standard Speaker, March 12, 1962.

Leon Genetti, Director of Area Food Firm, Dies of Heart Attack

Leon A. Genetti, Sr., 74, of 438 South Poplar street, whose family has been prominent in the grocery and restaurant business in the Hazleton area for many years, died this morning at 11:15 o’clock at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Hazleton, where he had been admitted as a patient Saturday evening. Death followed a heart attack.

The oldest child of the late Mr. and Mrs. Damaino Genetti, the deceased was born in Lattimer Mines and began his career in food retailing at an early age by working in his father’s market on Chapel street.

Included in his various tasks during the course of years with the firm, he operated a horse and wagon route for a period of eight years, and at one time managed a service store on Hazleton Heights.

He first was elected to the board of directors of Genetti’s Super Market in 1937 and served in various official capacities for the firm, including vice president, executive vise president, secretary and chairman of the board. In 1961, he was elected chairman of the board of Laurel Wholesale Grocery Company, a subsidiary of the Genetti Markets.

The deceased was a member of St. Gabriel’s Church, Hazleton.

Surviving are his wife, the former Angeline Marchetti of Nuremberg, and six children: Mrs. Rita Young, Mrs. Stephen (Catherine) Farkus, John, Mrs. Stephen (Adeline) Kashi and Leon, Jr., all of this city; and Joseph, Laporte, PA. There are 15 grandchildren.

Brothers and sisters who survive are Mrs. Dora Bott, this city; Mrs. Tillie Zambotti, Weston; August, proprietor of the Gus Genetti Hotel and Motel; Albert and Esther Genetti, this city; Mrs. Erma Branz, Freeland; Stanley, chairman of the board of Genetti’s Super Markets; and Mrs. Anne McNelis, this city.

The funeral will be held Thursday at 9 am from the Boyle Funeral Home, Hazleton. Solemn High Mass of Requiem will be celebrated in St. Gabriel’s Church at 9:30. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Friends may call tonight 7 to 9 and Wednesday 2 to 4 and 7 to 9.