Obituary of Leo E. Hovi

Leo Edward Hovi, age 85, died at his home in on Friday, 01/20/2017. Leo was born in New York City, NY to Matti & Mary Hovi, who were Finnish immigrants. The family moved to Voluntown, CT, where Leo grew up. After high school, Leo graduated with an engineering degree from King's Point Merchant Marine Academy in NY. He served in the United States Navy during the end of the Korean Conflict. Leo began his engineering career at AEP in NYC, where he met his future wife, Dorothy Patterson. They married October 5, 1955, moved to Watchung NJ, and had two children and four grandchildren. Subsequent to Dorothy's passing, Leo spent his last 14 years with his loving companion, Yolanda Sharick with whom he moved to Maplewood, NJ. Leo enjoyed working with his hands. He used his mechanical, electrical, engineering and carpentry skills to make, fix, or modify all sorts of things. He was proud of his Finnish heritage, and enthusiastically continued his family's sauna tradition – and their sisu! Leo is preceded in death by parents Matti & Mary Hovi; brother, Walter Hovi (Agnes); sister, Elsa Niemiec (Wally). Survived by daughter, Lauren Carpenter (John); son Carl Hovi (Cindy); and grandchildren, Sarah Carpenter, Hannah Carpenter, Tom Carpenter, and Justin Hovi. The family will have a private cremation. Family and friends are invited to share in a visitation at Higgins Home for Funerals on Thursday, January 26th, from 7 to 9 pm with a service at 8 pm. Address is 752 Mountain Blvd, Watchung, NJ. Condolences and memories may be shared on the Higgins website, www.higginsfuneralhome.com In lieu of flowers, you may make donations in Leo's honor to the Lung Cancer Alliance, P.O. Box 418372, Boston, MA 02241