Leonard "Lenny" Pizzute

Lenny Pizzute, 69, passed away peacefully at Akron City Hospital on November 2, 2021.  He was born on July 23, 1952 in Akron to the late Anthony and Grace Pizzute.  Lenny was a 1970 graduate of Field High School and was the first among his family to achieve a college education, graduating from Kent State University in 1974.

Following graduation, Lenny served his community as an Akron Firefighter for 31 years (1978-2009). During his time as a firefighter he was awarded the Recognition of Bravery and Mayor’s Distinguished Service Award from the City of Akron, for the heroic lifesaving acts he and his crew performed. Lenny was promoted to Lieutenant in 1990.

In addition to a firefighter, Lenny joined I.A.T.S.E. Local 48 as a stagehand and was a proud union stagehand from 1981 until his retirement in 2019. As a stagehand, he worked backstage for hundreds of concerts, presidential campaigns and events in venues such as: The Richfield Coliseum, Blossom Music Center, Lock 3, Akron Civic Theater, and E.J. Thomas Hall. In 1993, Lenny was asked to become a Stage Manager at E.J. Thomas Hall. During his career as the stage manager, he aided in the production of hundreds of events as well as coordinating security measures for a visit by President Bill Clinton in 1997. Lenny’s biggest pride of his work at E.J. Thomas Hall was working among the university students.

Lenny was an active member of Messiah Lutheran Church where he also served on the property committee.

In November 2019, Lenny suffered a massive stroke and even though it altered his plans of retirement he never gave up on his work ethic. Through his hard work in rehabilitation, Lenny defied the odds of recovery and lived every day with a smile and a dedication to enjoy life to its fullest.

Besides his parents, Lenny was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas Pizzute.  He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Christine Pizzute; son, Macoy Pizzute; sister, Theresa Vespoint; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and numerous brothers and sisters of the I.A.T.S.E. Local 48 and Akron Fire Department.

A memorial service will be held at 1 P.M. on Saturday, November 13, 2021 at Schermesser Funeral Home, 600 E. Turkeyfoot Lake Road, Akron, Ohio 44319.  Family and friends may call on Saturday from 11 A.M. until the time of the service at the funeral home.  A luncheon will follow at Messiah Lutheran Church, 4700 S. Main Street, Akron, Ohio 44319.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Lenny’s name to Neurology Education and Research Fund, 141 N. Forge Street, Akron, Ohio 44304 or to Akron Firefighters Association Local 330, Retiree’s Last Alarm, 161 Massillon Road, Akron, Ohio 44312.  To leave a special message online for the family, visit our website at www.schermesserfh.com.

SCHERMESSER
(330) 899-9107
www.schermesserfh.com

Memorial Contributions:

Neurology Education and Research Fund   
141 N. Forge Street   
Akron, Ohio 44304

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