Victor C. Lero

Victor (Vic) C. Lero, 92, of , New Springfield, Ohio passed away Tuesday, November 12, 2013 at the Hospice of the Valley in Poland, Ohio following an illness.

He was born in Wampum on May 12, 1921 and lived most of his life in Ellwood City, graduating from Lincoln High School in 1939. He furthered his education, graduating from New Castle Business College in 1941 and from the Ford Merchandising School in 1949 in Dearborn, Michigan. He was associated with the automotive business his entire life. At age 15, he started with his Uncle Joe at Lawrence Motor Sales in 1936. Vic eventually took over in the 50’s and 60’s, operating as Lero Ford Sales. During his sales career, he received many awards, the first in 1941. In 1969, he won Ford’s highest, “The Top Hatter”, awarded for exceptional sales. At the time, there were 161 Ford Dealers in the Pittsburgh District, one of 35 Districts nationwide. He received the award as one of the top two Ford Salesman in the District. Vic and his father also built and owned the Ellwood City Country Squire Inn Motel on Route 65 in Ellwood. Vic served in the US Army after enlisting in the 10th Armored Division in 1942, serving in North Africa and Italy, and receiving two Bronze Stars. He was discharged in November of 1945 with the rank of Sergeant. Before going off to basic training, he married his wife, Ann F. Barkich on December 26, 1942. Vic was a member of the Ellwood City Rotary Club and proudly served as the first Italian American President in 1954-1955.

It wasn’t all work for Vic and Ann. Early years were spent with yearly trips to New York, playing golf at the Concord Hotel in North Carolina, vacationing with their family. He was an avid Steeler and Pirate fan. He and Ann were at Forbes Field when Bill Mazeroski hit the game winning home run in game 7 of the 1960 World Series that beat the NY Yankees.

He was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Ann, his parents, Oronzo (Jimmy) Lero and Nellie Summers Lero, along with many uncles, aunts, and cousins.

Survivors include two sons, Jeffrey (Thelma) Lero of Margate, Florida, Craig (Diane) Lero of Wayside, New Jersey; two daughters, Kathleen Hartblay of Port Washington, New York, Karen Shakespeare of Wampum; five grandchildren, Yolanda, Sheree, Trevor, Scott and Melissa; five great grandchildren, Jordan, Peyton, Alana, Maximus and Karina; with another great grandchild on the way; niece, Patricia Moritz; and his close friend for the last three years, Marie Bendel.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, November 15 from 2-4 and 7-9 at the Marshall Funeral Home 200 Fountain Ave. Ellwood City.

Funeral Services will be held at Holy Redeemer Church on Saturday at 10 am. Victor will be laid to rest next to his wife, Ann in Holy Redeemer Cemetery. Military rites will be observed by the Veterans Honor Guard.

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com.