Hundreds Attend Robert Leonardi Memorial Service

Over a thousand people attended the public memorial of 9-year-old Robert Anthony Leonardi, who was killed by a speeding vehicle Sunday, July 7, southeast of Hamilton. The 9-year-old was remembered in presentations from family and friends at the Hamilton Middle School gymnasium. The Thursday morning service started late, in order to accommodate and seat all the people who attended. Grief counselors were at the service and are also available by calling the Hamilton School District office at 363-2280 - extension 2513.

Robert's brother, Devin, thanked everyone for their support of Robert's family over the past week and into the future, saying, "Words cannot describe the pain and emptiness we feel, but we know that with time and the strong arms of our community around us, things will get better." A memorial wall has been established at the Daly School (photo above), where Robert had completed second grade classes this year. Friday, at that site, a balloon release in his honor is scheduled for elementary students at 6 p.m. Then, at 7 p.m. a one-and-a-half mile memorial walk/run will start at Hamilton's River Park.