Leo Nistas

We had to say goodbye to the best man we’ve ever known on March 8, 2024. Leo Nistas was born on June 19, 1935, in Youngstown Ohio, to Nikitas and Mary Nistas. When he was seven the family moved to Carlsbad, New Mexico where he grew up.  After High School, Leo served two years in the U.S. Army, and just missed the Korean War. He then attended New Mexico State University where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Education.

After college, Leo quickly went to work for one of the local copper mines. He was transferred to the Sierra Rita Mine south of Tucson, where he spent most of his career.

Leo was preceded in death by both of his parents; his sisters, Catherine and Helen; his first wife, Vicki; his second wife, Jean; his daughter, Julie; and his dog, Casey.

Leo is survived by his sister Joanne; his daughters Suzy, Libby, and Marilynne; his stepsons Peter and Dennis; his life partner Dagmar; and their dog Kylie.

Leo was an avid hiker and golfer, as well as an animal lover. Late in life, he refused to go anywhere his dogs were not allowed.
Despite moving to New Mexico at a young age, Leo remained a diehard Ohio sports fan. He loved the Cincinnati Bengals/Reds and the Cleveland Browns/Indians (Guardians). He also loved watching University of Arizona teams, and pretty much any other sports he could find, especially golf (aka paint drying). A fact much lamented by Dagmar.

When asked; everyone that knew Leo would describe him as a very sweet, gentle, and caring man. He always worried about everyone before himself and was especially giving to the wives, girlfriends, and daughters in his life. Even at the end, Leo was more concerned about what his death would mean to us than he was with the fact that he was dying.

The world has lost one of the BEST. He will be sorely missed.

In line with Leo’s wishes, there will be no memorial services. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Leo’s name to the Arizona Humane Society.