Rudolph (Rudy) Leonardo

Obituary

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | December 19, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Rudolph (Rudy) Leonardo, of Westminster MD. Rudy passed away peacefully on December 6, 2025 at the age of 95. Rudy was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, great-uncle and friend. He was born in McKeesport PA to the late Antonio and Anna Carrara Leonardo.

He attended McKeesport High School where he played Guard (#10) for the Tigers varsity team that won the 1947 state championship and went on to play at the Scholastic Orange Bowl (North vs. South Shrine Football Game) on Christmas Day 1947. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh, he enlisted in the US Army and was assigned to the 17th Counterintelligence Corps Detachment in Trieste, Italy that conducted cross-border operations into Eastern Europe in the first decade of the Cold War.

He returned to McKeesport to work full-time at US Steel, part-time at his brother’s restaurant, and eventually became co-proprietor of the 25 Bar. He married Joan Brooks in 1964 and moved to Maryland to work for the Social Security Administration. Eventually they settled in a small community just southeast of Westminster where he and Joan raised their three children. Rudy retired from Federal service in 2007. Many may recall him “power walking” for decades during his lunch hour and in the evenings, greeting everyone he passed with a wave, warm smile and friendly hello. He attributed his good health and longevity to this practice. Rudy was preceded in death by his wife, Joan (6/19/2025), and his brothers, Joseph, Patsy, Dominick and Atillio; and sisters, Rose and Helen. He is survived by his children Dario, Antonio and Marisa, grandsons Travis and Jesse, and great-grandchildren Elena and Troy.

A joint memorial visitation for Rudy and Joan will be held on January 9, 2026 beginning at 4:30 PM at Eline Funeral Home, 2901 Bloom Road, Finksburg MD 21048. Flowers are welcome, or if preferred, a Memorial Donation to any Alzheimer’s Charity is appreciated. A joint memorial service and final inurnment for both Rudy and Joan will be held at the New St. Joseph Cemetery in North Versailles PA in January.

Thank you, Dad, for your love and encouragement, fond memories and signature advice - like the classic “be kind to yourself and be kind to old people.” If we don’t see you through the week, we’ll see you through the window. Yo-“Ho” Rinny and Godspeed dear pleasant soul – you will be profoundly missed.

Originally published December 19, 2025.

Other deaths:
"Janice L. Culhane" ||