Valeria Joy Derichsweiher
June 29, 2021
Courtesy of: Brumley-Mills Funeral Home
Submitted by: Carol Spear Rice

Leo Lalli, 79, of Pocola, formerly of McAlester, passed away Sunday, October 20, 2024 at Baptist Health Hospital in Ft. Smith, Arkansas. A graveside funeral service is scheduled for Friday, October 25, at 2:00 p.m. at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in McAlester. Leo Lalli was born on May 27, 1945 in McAlester to Johnnie Joseph Lalli and Helena Marie (Alongi) Lalli. He grew up here and attended St. John's School, where he excelled at basketball, and was a life-time member of St. John's Catholic Church. After school he served in the U.S. Navy during the Viet Nam War, eventually receiving his honorable discharge. Leo joined the family business, Lalli's Plumbing for a while, and also did home remodeling. He eventually left the family business to start his own Lalli Plumbing, continuing that work for several years. He also worked at the Rocket Bowl bowling alley for many years. Leo was well known for his all-around skills in construction and was known as the guy who could do it all. Leo is survived by his children, Kenneth Lalli and Teresa McBride, Gina Lalli Richardson, and Davida Parker and Mark; grandchildren, Travis Smart, Ashley Free and Stephen, Britain Lalli Nguyen and Le, and Simone Richardson; great grandchildren, Brylee Smart, Kinley Smart, Aleigha Smart, Hanna Free, Rhyder Smart, Eli Free, Greyson Green, Kelly Smart and Ambrose Nguyen; 2 sisters, Lena Lalli and Mary Bennett; and 2 special friends, Steve Rodriguez and David Wadley; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Johnnie Anna Pelletier.