Victor E. Leto

Victor E. Leto, age 95, of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, passed away on Monday April 24, 2023, at Chester County Hospital, West Chester, PA. Born in Kennett Square, he was the son of the late Oreste Leto Sr. and the late Jennie Sicco Leto.  Victor lived in the same childhood home throughout his life.

Victor graduated from Kennett High School, Class of 1945. He then started college at Penn State University but was drafted into the Army during World War II, serving our country from 1945 to 1947.  He then returned to PSU and earned his degree from the School of Agriculture in 1950.

After college Victor started a large poultry business on the family farm, operating that for several years. He then established and operated a successful mushroom growing business.  Victor stayed abreast of advances in that industry, frequently attending post-graduate courses and seminars in the US and abroad.

He enjoyed deer hunting and was an avid trout fisherman. He was a member of Shellbark Lodge, located in Lycoming County, PA, where he not only hunted and fished but made lifelong friendships with other members.

An accomplished pilot, Victor loved flying. He joined a group of local men who started the Kennett Flying Club in 1947.  The Club purchased a two-passenger Ercoupe, which they flew from a small field in New Garden Township where the Giant store is now located.

Even more than all his accomplishments, Victor was known for his extremely kind, encouraging, and generous nature.  Always willing to lend his support, he was a constant, loyal caregiver to parents and siblings for 50 years. His nieces and nephews all have fond memories of time spent with their special uncle.

Victor is one of ten brothers and sisters. He is survived by one brother, Robert Leto and his wife Kay of Kennett Square; and 15 nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by four brothers, Joseph, Charles, Oreste “Tino” Jr., and Frederick; and four sisters, Rosalie, Mary, Hilda Smith, and Sylvia Fawcett.

You are invited to visit with Victor’s family and friends from 9:30AM -10:30AM Saturday, May 13, 2023, at Church of the Advent, 401 N. Union St. Kennett Square, PA 19348. His funeral service will follow at 10:30AM. Interment will be at Cathedral Cemetery in Wilmington, DE. Contributions in his memory may be made to Kennett Area Community Service https://kacsimpact.org/support/

Arrangements are by Matthew Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. of Kennett Square (484-734-8100). To view Victor’s online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.griecofunerals.com