Leo A. Fendick

Leo A. Fendick, 78, of Punta Gorda, FL passed away peacefully on March 29, 2015 at Bayfront Health of Port Charlotte with his wife by his side. He was born August 8, 1936 in Binghamton, NY to John and Mary (nee Albrechta) Fendick. Leo attended Chenango Forks School and worked in the auto business until opening his own dealerships, Fendick Chrysler, Plymouth, Dodge, Jeep, Eagle Dealership in Sidney and Oneonta, NY for which he was inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame. The Hall honors individuals and dealerships that have significantly impacted the development of the motor vehicle industry and has had significant awards each year. He was presented a ring by Chrysler for achievements which he wore proudly. In 1979 he moved to Punta Gorda, FL to retire. Retirement was not in Leo's future and he opened Fendick Chrysler, Plymouth, Dodge, Jeep, Eagle Dealership in Arcadia, FL. Once again trying to retire he sold the Arcadia Dealership only to open New Dawn Auto Mall in Ft. Myers, FL, which he enjoyed going to daily until his unfortunate passing. Leo was an avid fisherman, never bringing the boat in until it was full of fish. In addition to being a fisherman he was an avid hunter. The tales of his greatest hunt got larger over time as his friends would say.He was a low handicap golfer and member of St. Andrews South Golf Course in Punta Gorda, FL. Never missing a "Mafia" golf game where he was known as "The King." One of his most cherished memories was when he caddied for his best friend, Butch Baird on the Senior Tour. He had many tales to tell and told them often. Leo was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Punta Gorda, FL. He loved spending time with family, friends, and making car deals, which was his life over 50 years. Leo enjoyed watching his grandchildren and many nieces and nephews play sports. Leo is survived by his wife, Dawn (nee Schwarz) Fendick; daughters, Lorraine (Ron) Sheldon, Debbie (Rob) Benzi, Mary Fendick and Stefanie (Jonathan) Brady; grandchildren, Danielle (Adam), Kelly, Elizabeth (Scott), Seirra (Michael) Shainiqua, Quintin, Dante and Kyla; great-grandchildren, Joseph, Alex, Taylor, Parker, Michael Jr., and Quinton Jr.; brothers and sisters, Francis Chier, Len (John) (Maxine) Fendick, Dorothy (Robert) Rittenburg, Ed (Dorothy) Fendick, Al (Rita) Fendick, Ted Fendick, Donna (Harold) Snopek, Anita (Gary) Haskell and Richard Fendick; and numerous nieces and nephews that he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Fendick; sister, Margaret Fetcho; brothers, Robert Fendick and James Fendick; grandson, Christopher Patak and his first wife, Patricia (nee Haverly) Fendick. A memorial service will be held at 1pm, Easter Sunday, April 5, 2015 at Ponce De Leon Park, 3400 Ponce DeLeon Parkway, Punta Gorda, FL. A memorial service will be held sometime in early summer as Leo would say "when all the snow has melted" at the Fendick family homestead in Binghamton, NY. To express condolences to the family, please visit www. Ltaylorfuneral.com and sign the online guest book.