Leo J Brochu of Newark FFCU (Obit)

It is sad news that I have to report the passing of Leo Brochu on January 4, 2013. Leo was a director and past president of Newark Firemen Federal Credit Union. As most of you know he had attended and enjoyed our conferences and shared lots of good times with many of you.

Leo John Brochu, 65, passed away at the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Muhlenberg Campus, Bethlehem, Pa., on Friday, Jan. 4, 2013. A Funeral Mass will be offered at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Newark, N.J., on Friday morning, Jan. 11, at 11 o'clock. Those who wish to attend the funeral may gather at the funeral home at 10 o'clock. Entombment will be in the Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover, N.J. Guests will be received at the Irvine-Cozzarelli Memorial Home, P.A., 276 Washington Ave., Belleville, N.J., www.irvinecozzarelli.com, (973) 759-1114, on Wednesday evening from 7 to 9 o'clock and on Thursday afternoon and evening from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 o'clock. Complimentary valet parking is available at the funeral home. Born in Newark, N.J., Leo remained in the city through his adolescence, moving to Verona, N.J., Cedar Grove, N.J., and Belleville, N.J., where he resided for several years before moving to Bethlehem, Pa., for one year. Leo proudly served our nation in the Air Force Reserve, and was dedicated to his vocation as a firefighter with the Newark Fire Department, assigned to the training academy. He retired after 39 years of duty in 2010. As a firefighter, Leo's career was one of purpose and fulfillment. He was the recipient of numerous awards, commendations, and official citations. He was the former president and a board member of the Newark Firemen Federal Credit Union. A descriptive of Leo's personality would characterize him as charismatic, genuinely sincere, free from pretense, generous in thought and deed, but not obtrusive. He enjoyed living the good life and was the life of the party. He has a terrific sense of humor and was also a compassionate man. Leo held steadfast as a provider, with an uninterrupted work history from the age of nine years old. He was a sharp dresser, and prided himself on his appearance. His life was enriched by the love he had for his precious daughters and his grandchildren, a love so profound that mere words could not adequately describe what his heart wanted to say. Leo leaves behind many gifts that time can never take away and an unforgettable smile tat will comfort us as we continue on life's path. Leo was the devoted father of Nicole LaMarca and her husband, James; and Brandi Brochu; cherished grandfather of Gabriella and James LaMarca; loving brother of Danielle Kazista and her husband, Ted, Jeanette Van Skike, and Joe and Diann Brochu; treasured godfather of Lee Kazista, and the fond uncle of several nieces and nephews; and dear friend of Carolyn Maloney. He is also survived by a lifetime of great friends. -EVERYBODY LOVED LEO-