Leo Lucas Benandi, of Houston, Texas, died peacefully February 14, 2022 surrounded by his loving wife, children and grandchildren.

Leo was born July 31, 1941 in Port Sulphur, Louisiana.  He graduated from Port Sulphur High School in 1959 and went on to further his education in the New Orleans area, where he earned his MBA degree from Louisiana State University – New Orleans in 1970.  While attending college, he met the love of his life, Jane Frances Stagni.  Jane and Leo were married on August 1, 1964 and enjoyed 57 years of marriage.

Shortly after completing his undergraduate degree, Leo taught at Holy Cross in New Orleans while working on his MBA.  After graduate school, Leo and Jane moved to Houston, TX where Leo began working for the Space Division of the Chrysler Corporation.  He worked quality control on rockets used in the Apollo program.  Leo later joined the Gulf Corporation where he operated in marketing and sales for their chemical and explosives division.  During his time with the Gulf Corporation,  Leo and his family lived in many cities including Houston, San Diego, Pittsburgh and Kansas City.  Leo eventually departed Gulf and joined Chemical Waste Management as National Sales Manager for hazardous waste where he earned numerous Service Awards.  He retired from Chemical Waste Management in 2004.

After retirement, Leo went on to become a beloved crossing guard for Klein ISD at numerous schools within the district.  He cherished greeting the students daily and helping them get to school safely.  He volunteered as an usher at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church, where he was a loyal parishioner for over 30 years.   He also enjoyed golfing, spending time with his grandchildren, and loving on his two feline babies, Gus and Tippy.  His family was the pride and light of his life until the very end.

Leo is proceeded in death by his father Joseph Benandi, his mother Lucille Trumbaturi, and sister Deloras Benandi-Girouard.  He will be greatly missed by his loving wife, Jane F. Benandi, his three children Brian J. Benandi, and wife Carolyn White Benandi; Teri Benandi Horswell, and husband Robert D. Horswell; and Amie Benandi Jackson; along with his "diamonds"… his grandchildren:  Rebecca Benandi, Kaleb Jackson, Kate Benandi, Abigail Horswell, Lucas Horswell, and Sara Jackson.  He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Leo's name to the Gabriel Project at St Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church ( https://ignatiusloyola.org/gabriel-project-1

or your local parishes Gabriel Project.

For those not able to attend the Vigil on Thursday, a Live Stream Link is available;

https://youtu.be/ob3KlQMJUpY

For those not able to attend the Funeral Mass on Friday, a Live Stream is available;

https://youtu.be/NdWDGAvYhMk