Filippo Leo, a longtime fixture in Wheaton’s deli community who spent more than three decades serving customers and building relationships with generations of local families, passed away on Thursday, November 5, at the age of 73.
Known simply as “Filippo” to his customers, Leo began working at Marchone’s deli in Wheaton in the early 1990s. He later took over the business and renamed it Filippo’s, becoming a familiar face in the community for more than three decades. Throughout his years running the deli, he remained committed to preserving its traditional, old-school atmosphere, maintaining much of what longtime customers had come to know and love.
Originally from Sicily, Leo immigrated to the United States in 1976 before moving to Montgomery County in 1983. He settled in Aspen Hill, where he lived for the remainder of his life.
For many customers, Leo was much more than the man behind the deli counter. He became part of their family traditions, particularly through a simple gesture that continued across generations. He was known for giving young children their first deli cookie, a tradition that continued as those children grew up, started families of their own, and returned with their kids to receive the same treatment.
Two occasions were particularly memorable for Leo and his longtime customers. Each year on March 19, Saint Joseph’s Day, he would arrive at the deli early to prepare homemade zeppole by hand. Christmas was another favorite time of year. Although it was the deli’s busiest season, Leo thrived on the activity and especially enjoyed reconnecting with the many familiar faces who visited during the holidays.
According to his family, Leo had a personality that could fill an entire room. He had a way of making people feel heard and welcomed, often treating complete strangers like lifelong friends. He took a genuine interest in the people he met, frequently asking about their lives, their backgrounds, and the journeys that brought them to where they were.
While he loved the deli business and took pride in providing employment opportunities for his staff, his greatest source of pride was his family. He was devoted to being a father and provider and rarely missed an opportunity to share photographs or stories about his children and grandchild with customers, friends, or even strangers. “We as his children are also so proud and honored to call him our father,” his family shared.
Leo is survived by his wife, Maddalena Leo; his sons, Anthony, Allan, and Christian Leo; and his granddaughter, Alice Leo. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Maria Leo.
For the generations of customers who visited his deli, Leo will be remembered for his warm personality, his dedication to the community, his handmade holiday specialties, and the countless cookies he handed to children over the years.
A viewing is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, November 11, from 4pm to 8pm at Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home, located at 11800 New Hampshire Avenue in Silver Spring. A funeral Mass is tentatively planned for Thursday, November 12, around 12pm at St. Catherine Labouré Catholic Church, located at 11803 Claridge Road in Silver Spring, followed by burial at Gate of Heaven Cemetery at approximately 2pm.
The family is still finalizing arrangements, and dates and times are subject to change. Additional updates will be provided as details are confirmed.
