Leonard Paul Kello

Leonard Paul Kello Susquehanna, PA Leonard Paul Kello was called by the Lord to join the Angels and Saints in their Celestial Choir Rehearsal on Sunday, January 9, 2022. He visited with his daughter and son-in-law Saturday and died peacefully at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, January 9, 2022 at Allied Hospice in Wilkes-Barre. He was 93 years old. Leonard was predeceased by his loving wife of sixty years, Mary Rose. He was also predeceased by parents Paul and Anna Kello, father and mother-in law, Michael and Rose Tito, sisters-in-law, Madeline Tito Leth, Carmella Kello, Annette Kello and brothers-in-law, Gunnar Leth, and William Tito. Leonard is survived by his daughter, Roseann Barnes and son-in-law Walter Barnes of Coatesville, Pa and his son, Michael Kello and daughter-in-law Paula Kello and grandson Jack. He is also survived by his brother Paul D. Kello of Harrisburg, nephews Bill Leth and his wife Debbie of Indiana, Paul F. Kello and his wife Sharon, Marc Kello, and niece Laura Krodel and her husband Karl of Harrisburg, PA. Leonard has several cousins and great nieces and nephews. He had a special bond with cousins from Hazleton, Mary Louise Perilla (recently deceased) and her children Joseph Perilla, Robert Perilla and Lisa (Perilla) Thrash, her husband Randy and their son, Nicholas, as well as his cousin Barbara Miller of Arnold Maryland. His family, many friends, and former students remember him fondly. Leonard was an accomplished accordion player and musician, born and raised in Swoyersville, PA. He graduated from Swoyersville High School and entered West Chester Teachers College to study Music. At the close of World War II, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country as chief cook on a ship stationed in Guam. He completed his education at West Chester and completed post graduate degrees in Counseling and School Administration at Lehigh University. Leonard arrived in Susquehanna in 1950 and was employed by Susquehanna Consolidated School District as the kindergarten through twelfth grade Music teacher and director to the Chorus and the Band. He developed a special singing group, “The Susquehanna Syllables” who entertained groups from Binghamton to Scranton. In 1964 “The Syllables” were invited to sing at the World’s Fair in New York City. In addition to directing musicals, in Susquehanna, Leonard coached the girls’ basketball team, assisted with track and field, started the first baseball team, and served as a basketball referee for the county. In 1965, Leonard accepted a position as Music Supervisor in Windsor, New York. He was later appointed Guidance Counselor for grades 7 and 8. He then became the Principal of Windsor Junior High School. He often talked about thanking the parents of his students for letting him teach their children. “God Bless.” Leonard and his wife built their home in 1955 and resided there until their passing. They were very active in the community. Leonard was a member of St. John the Evangelist Church, where he served as choir director for over thirty years. He was a member of the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, the Susquehanna Volunteer Fire Department (55 years), served on the town council and as Mayor of Susquehanna, and was an active member of SOLIDA (Susquehanna Oakland Lanesboro Industrial Development Association). He was a Lifetime Member of the Stone Bridge Lions Club since 1954 and was elected District 14 Governor in 1969. He was co-founder and member of Helping Hands of Susquehanna. One of the favorite questions asked of Leonard was, “Just how old are you?” His answer was always “Just one more day older since yesterday.” The family would like to express gratitude to Leonard’s friend Pete Niven for transporting Leonard to doctor appointments, checking in on him and, through his efforts, enabling him to remain in his home. We would also like to thank the social workers, doctors and nurses who made Leonard’s final days peaceful and comfortable, serving as advisors and spiritual guides. Their kindness and expertise were most appreciated. The family will receive friends at Hennessey’s Funeral Home, 747 Jackson Ave. Susquehanna, PA on Friday, January 14, 2022 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at St. John the Evangelist Church 15 East Church Street, Susquehanna, PA on Saturday, January 15, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John the Evangelist Church, 15 East Church Street, Susquehanna, PA 18847 or Helping Hands of Susquehanna, 23978 State Route 92, Susquehanna, PA 18847.