Mr. Leo D'Aleo

Leo D’Aleo, 64, of Columbia, unexpectedly passed away on November 7th, after a brief illness. He was born in Trapani, Italy, and is survived by his husband, Casey Smith of Columbia, SC; brother, Francesco D’Aleo of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; sisters, Francesca Paola LiMandri of Catasauqua, PA and Lucia Giovanna Cordaro of Ft. Lauderdale, FL ; parents-in-law, Gerald Smith and Jane Smith of Lexington, SC; sister-in-law Gina Smith (Robert Gilbert) of Columbia, SC; brother-in-law Adam Smith (Debra Smith) of Chapin, SC and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Giovan Battista D’Aleo and Anna Erice D’Aleo, as well as his two brothers, Giuseppe D’Aleo and Pietro D’Aleo. Leo’s large family immigrated to the United States when he was 10. He and his siblings set off to school in New York City without knowing a word of English. By Christmas break, though, he could sing Jingle Bells and had already made friends, a pattern that would repeat throughout his life. Leo had a gift for forging friendships and leaving people better, and happier, for having known him. His family later moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where Leo completed his education. Over the next several decades, he built a career in hospitality and real estate in Fort Lauderdale, Lake Tahoe, Honolulu and Atlanta, leaving behind a trail of friends wherever he went. In 2020, he relocated to Columbia and worked for the South Carolina Secretary of State’s Office. Leo was happiest when creating and sharing with others: cooking feasts for family and friends, turning a niece and nephew into charcuterie board “addicts,” and painting abstract pieces that he lovingly gifted. With his easy smile and gentle spirit, his company was the one thing that could top his culinary skills. His idea of paradise was a quiet stretch of beach with the sun on his face - - Casey and a little dog named Poncho by his side. The funeral service for Leo will be held at 5: 00 p.m., Tuesday, November 11th , at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, SC. The family will receive friends prior to the service at the funeral home beginning at 3:30 p.m. The funeral service for family and friends will be held on Saturday, November 15th, at Fred Hunter’s Funeral Home, 6301 Taft Street, Hollywood, FL 33024. A private family gathering will begin at 12:30 p.m., followed by receiving of family and friends at 1:00 p.m. The funeral service will begin at 1:30 p.m. Interment will take place immediately afterward at Fred Hunter's Hollywood Memorial Gardens at 2:30 p.m. You can find Fred Hunter’s Funeral Home link here to share memories with the family. https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/12602222

Tributes

Mr. Leo D'Aleo

July 6, 1961 - November 7, 2025