Leonard Joseph DiStefano was the first child born to Girolamo DiStefano and his wife Katherine Jennie Luisi. He arrived on 31 March 1913 in Magna, Salt Lake, Utah.
In Italy, the first born son is named after his paternal grandfather, which was Leonardo DiStefano. Leonardo was born in Bagheria, Paleromo, Sicily, Italy. Leonard was also given the middle name of Joseph, after his maternal grandfather, Giuseppe (Joseph) Lusis. Giuseppe came from Petina, Salerano, Italy.
Leonard has 7 brothers and one sister.
Magna, Salt Lake, Utah
Magna is located at the base of the Northern Oquirrh Mountains and was originally called Pleasant Green in 1851. In the early 1900’s, copper mining activity in the Oquirrhs began transforming the Pleasant Green area from an agricultural hamlet to an industrial community. The Utah Copper Company, which later became Kennecott Copper Corp., began constructing its Magna Mill in 1906. The owner, named his mill “Magna” from the Latin word meaning “Great” or Superior. The town adopted the name “Magna” in 1906.
Many of the early residence were immigrants primarily from Italy, Greece and Eastern Europe. Magna developed a reputation for embodying the American dream. Several small neighborhood, such as Japtown, Snake Town and Little Italy developed around main street.
At the time, automobile commuting to work was not practical, few mining workers had cars and cross valley roads were in marginal condition. Leonard’s father, Girolamo, took advantage of this condition and purchased a truck and provided workers transportation to the mill.
Childhood
Most of his childhood and teen years were spent in Tabiona, Duchesne, Utah. His parents owned a General Store in Hanna.
Military Service
Leonard served in World War II in the European Theater. In 1945, he was in France.
Marriage
Children
Lina Jo, Angela Kay
Occupation
Death
Leonard pass away on 11 October 1985 in Provo, Utah, Utah.
This photo was taken at Leonard funeral in Randolph, Rich, Utah, where he is buried. The remaining siblings are standing in birth order. Bill, James, Joe, Sis, Tete, George and Thomas.