Paul Joseph Leto Sr.

Paul Joseph Leto, age 69, our beloved father took his last breath in the loving arms of his daughter Holly, in Grimes, IA, December 22, 2020, after an extended battle with strokes. He leaves his cherished children: Holly, Paul Jr. (Leah), and Christopher (Mary), and grandchildren: Terrance, Vincent, Isaiah, Roman, Victoria, Jake, Jerod, and Cathy. Paul and his children shared a deep abiding loyalty whether near or far. Paul was born September 28, 1951 to Ralph and Victoria Leto in Little Italy, on the southside of Des Moines. His siblings were Ralph (Jane), Anthony (Mary), Samuel (Joyce), Victoria (David Pruin) and Patricia (Frank Fazio). He attended St. Anthony grade school and was a proud graduate of Dowling High School in 1970. Over the years Paul served in the Air National Guard, worked at Des Moines Water Works, DM Asphalt, and was supervisor of asphalt companies in Little Rock, Arkansas and Sun Valley, Idaho. He is probably most known for his successful 30 plus years as a car salesman at Gabus Ford and Stivers car dealerships, in DM. “He was a person who knew how to work a room.” Paul knew everyone and everyone knew Paul. He was outgoing, charming, fun to be with, and remembered everyone’s name and most their family. Paul made every person he met feel like they were the most important person in the room. His smile would penetrate the place. He was an avid golfer and loved mountains and down-hill skiing. Paul lived with, and cherished his precious time with Holly’s little 3 year old Victoria. “JAG” was his favorite program and Victoria brought extra joy and a big smile to his day, as she would to March to jag theme song. Paul will be deeply missed by his large extended family and longtime friends. No event will be the same! Visitation will Saturday, Dec. 26, at St Anthony’s Catholic Church in DM, 10-11 a.m. Mass begins at 11 a.m. Please wear masks and practice social distancing. Memorials may be directed to the family in loving memory of Paul, c/o https://www.caldwellparrish.com/