LENO FELIX ANSELMI
1922-1998
Leno Felix Anselmi, first President and founder of the Trentini - Italians of Utah, passed away on February 8, 1998 in Ogden, Utah. He was a beloved father, husband, brother, “Nonno”, and friend to all.
He was born in Reliance, Wyoming on January 30, 1922. His parents Maria Cologna Anselmi and Felice Anselmi immigrated from Val-di-Non, Trento, Italy. Felice Anselmi, Leno’s father, worked in the coal mines of Rock Springs, Wyoming and Reliance, Wyoming from 1910 to 1931, the family then moved to West Weber, Utah. Leno and his family resided there for the remainder of his life. Leno and his sister Mary were taught hard work, integrity, love and selfless service by these courageous pioneers. Education was highly stressed by these loving parents.
Leno attended school in Weber County and graduated in 1950 with honors at Utah State University. He married Dora Telck in 1948 and together they raised three daughters. Leno was devout member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and served as president of St. Mary’s Parish Men’s Club for a time. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus. He worked for thirty-two years for Safeway, and also served as the president of the safeway Employee’s Association. He greeted everyone who entered the store with “Hi Neighbor” and was known as the “Gum Man” because every child would receive a stick of gum from his pocket.
As president of the Trentini Club of Utah, he was very determined that his Italian heritage lived on. In leno’s own words, he expressed his vision of the future for many generations to come...
“Our goal is to preserve and expand the traditions of our heritage. We want to encourage our young to become knowledgeable and to get involved in our traditions and customs so they will [be] able to pass this on to the new generation. We want to honor our forefathers and let them live through our children and grandchildren. Don’t lose our dream... become involved!”
Leno’s life was his family and friends. He and Dora created a home where the children, and grandchildren loved to gather, preferring to go to Nonna and Nonno’s rather than Disneyland.
“God gave us memories so we can have rose in December.” Thank you Nonno for a garden of memories!
He loved to garden and especially loved delivering fresh vegetables to friends and family. He planted seeds in soil as well as in hearts, taking special care to nurture both. He will be long remembered for filling jars with chili beans and salsa, but more importantly, filling lives with his love.
Funeral mass was celebrated February 13, 1998 at the St. Mary’s Parish and the internment at the West Weber Cemetery. The love and respect for Leno was shown at his rosary with a line of people for 4 ½ hours and the church packed to the rafters at his funeral mass.