Leo Hadad

April 23, 1930 – August 2, 2023

Leo Hadad, a loving husband, devoted father, admired brother and uncle, esteemed businessman, and cherished friend, passed away on August 2, 2023, in Phoenix, Arizona. He was born on April 23, 1930, in Trinidad, Colorado, to Mike and Sara (Malouff) Hadad.

During his teenage years, Leo worked diligently in his father’s General Merchandise store and managed three individual home delivery grocery routes in Segundo, Colorado. His sense of responsibility and dedication led him to serve in the Air Force until 1952.

After his discharge, Leo returned to his hometown of Trinidad, Colorado, and continued to work in the family stores. He pursued higher education, graduating from Trinidad State College and Arizona State University, with degrees in business.

On June 4, 1958, Leo married his sweetheart, Bernice Vigil, and together, they built a strong and enduring bond of love and companionship. Bernice was a source of unwavering support throughout their 55 years of marriage until her passing in 2013.

In 1956, Leo made Phoenix, Arizona, his home, where he founded Farm & Home Foods, a home delivery grocery service, in 1958. He led the business with innovative and pioneering ideas, treating both employees and customers as family. Alongside his brothers Richard and Victor, Leo was well-respected in the industry and served as a member and director of the International Frozen Food Council for 33 years and the American Association of the Meat Processors.

Leo’s faith was an integral part of his life, being a devout Catholic and a member of both St. Francis Xavier Parish and St. John of the Desert Melkite Church. His community involvement extended to numerous organizations, including The Holy Sepulcher, Knights of Columbus, Elks Club, Kiwanis at Encanto, Serra Club, and The Cedar Club of Arizona.

Beyond his business endeavors and community contributions, Leo treasured time with family and friends. He was an avid traveler, skilled card player, and expert backgammon enthusiast. He cherished fishing excursions with friends, relatives, and his brothers, who shared his passion for the sport. Basketball also held a special place in his heart, as he remained a devoted Phoenix Suns fan since their inaugural season in 1968.

Leo was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Bernice, and their son, John, as well as his brothers and sisters-in-law Najib and Georgette and Richard and Theresa, and sister Lucille. He is survived by his loving daughter Denise and Lynnette Anderson and nephew John Hadad and Jason Julye who also reside in Phoenix.

He will be deeply missed by his brothers and sisters-in-law David and Mary Ellen, Victor and Louise, numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and countless relatives and close friends.

Leo’s memory will forever remain in our hearts, and his enduring legacy of kindness, perseverance, and compassion will continue to inspire us all.

A visitation and rosary will be held on Sunday, August 13, 2023 from 4-6 PM at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home located at 4800 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85018. Rosary at 5 PM.

A funeral Mass will be held in honor of Leo Hadad at St. Francis Xavier Parish, located at 4714 N. Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85012, on Monday, August 14, 2023 at 10 AM. Interment at St. Francis Cemetery immediately following mass. Reception and celebration of Leo’s life at Mount Claret located at 4633 N 54th St, Phoenix, AZ 85018 at 1PM. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at

www.stjude.org

. Services under the direction of Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home.