Leo Martonosi
Leo Martonosi, at the age of 80, peacefully crossed the end zone for his final score to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday January 28, 2024, surrounded by his family.
His Superbowl playoff run began with his parents Leo Sr. and Helen Martonosi in Gladwin, Michigan on July 18, 1943.
Leo was a 1961 graduate of Gladwin High School, a 1963 graduate of Weaver Airline School, and a 1967 Graduate of Northwood University where he was the first four-year athlete in any sport. He also worked there for one year as the Director of Housing and Student Activities.
In his early years, Leo was employed at his parents’ business “Leo’s Place” in Gladwin for many years. He went on to work as an Assistant Manager at Woolworths Department Store in Midland and at O’Hare Airport in Chicago for American Airlines. He started his sports writing career for the Midland Daily News where he worked for three years. After College, Leo was employed full time for 40 years at The Holland Sentinel where he retired as the Senior sports Editor. After retirement, Leo worked for the Allegan County News where he was able to cover the loves of his life, his Grandchildren who were all involved in Hopkins High School Sports.
Leo had a real love for the Lord. He served as Eucharistic Minister at Our Lady of the Lake and at St. Francis de Sales for more than 30 years. He also distributed Holy Communion for the sick at Holland Hospital for several years.
Leo was a devout Detroit Lions, Tigers, Pistons and Michigan State Fan. Nothing could keep Leo from a game, whether it was baseball, basketball or football. He spent many hours driving non-stop across the country with his friend Lanny Dewitt to cover games with some of the greats like good friend Lance Parrish and the Detroit Tigers. If he wasn’t on the side lines cheering on his Grandchildren, Andrew, Dylan, and Emma, you could find him at a local High School covering a game or coaching or playing softball. He coached a recreation women’s softball team for over 40 years and a co-ed team for 30 years, two of which won state championships. To say Leo loved sports is an understatement, he lived sports. If you were involved with sports in High School in the Ottawa/Allegan County area, you knew Leo.
He leaves behind his loving wife and best friend of 58 years Bianne. He is also survived by his children Lisa (Jim) Wilson of Allegan, Dena (Chuck) Cauvel of Wayland, his three Grandchildren Andrew (Robin) Wilson of Allegan, Dylan (Jill) Wilson of Gobles, and Emma Martonosi of Wayland and his loves, his two Great-grandchildren Haylen and Hudson. He is also survived by his sister Tina (Matt) Martonosi of Flint, Sister-In-Laws Kathy Prell Martonosi of Holland, Peg (Jodi) Clerc of Breckenridge, a brother-like Cousin Chuck (Linda) Newman of Gladwin, along with many Nieces, Nephews and Cousins.
Leo was preceded in death by his Mother Helen, Father Leo Sr., Brother Nick, and son Marc Leo.
We will all miss the tremendous part that Leo played in our lives. We thank God for the privilege of having Leo on our sidelines. We have no doubt that he is part of the great cloud of witnesses cheering us on in heaven! As he did in his life, we look forward, with great confidence, to our heavenly reunion.