It's perfect outside its like god let me dial up the weather
Got the whole crew here, I ain't seen some of them in forever
It's one of those never forget it, better stop and take it in kinda scenes
Everything's just right, yeah, except for one thing
You should be here, standing with your arm around me here
Cutting up, cracking a cold beer
Saying cheers, hey y'all it's sure been a good year
It's one of those moments, that's got your name written all over it
And you know that if I had just one wish it'd
Be that you didn't have to miss this
You should be here
You'd be taking way too many pictures on your phone
Showing them off to everybody that you know back home
And even some you don't yeah
They say now you're in a better place
And I would be too if I could see your face
You should be here, standing with your arm around me here
Cutting up, cracking a cold beer
Saying cheers, hey y'all it's sure been a good year
It's one of those moments, that's got your name written all over it
And you know that if I had just one wish
It'd be that you didn't have to miss this
Aw you should be here
You'd be loving this, you'd be freaking out, you'd be smiling, yeah
I know you'd be all about what's going on right here right now
God, I wish somehow you could be here
Oh, you should be here
Yeah, this is one of those moments that's got your name written all over it
And you know that if I have just one wish it'd be that you didn't have to miss this
Aw you should be here
You should be here

Song by: Cole Swindell
Songwriters: Ashley Gorley / Cole Swindell

~ Michael Argus - September 22, 2023

I met Leo for the first time about 13 years ago during the State merger our agencies (HCR and DOT). When he first moved in, and before meeting him, I noticed a variety of different colored and shaped reading glasses on his desk. I thought to myself, "This guy must be weird." Then one day I saw him wearing rose-colored glasses, and that clinched it.

As I got to know Leo, I realized he was a man of ingenuity. He always found ways to make things work, and he never shied away from rolling up his sleeves and getting to work. Whether it was at the office working on a project after hours, or at church mowing the grass or fixing something, Leo was always there.

He was an out-of-the-box thinker with an ambitious thirst for knowledge. I rarely saw Leo without a book in his hand. Whether it was reading books on PowerShell scripting, mind mapping, or theology, Leo took on the task in an effort to better himself and help others. Within the past couple of years, Leo made a decision to change his diet and lifestyle. He lost a lot of weight and got into exceptional shape. Through this experience, he inspired me and others to make positive changes in our own lives.

Leo would often walk to work and occasionally carry in things he found on the road. Usually, these items were road hazards, like nails or screws. On one occasion, however, Leo came in with a wheel of cheese, perfectly sealed, that had literally "fallen off a truck."

Leo and a few of us would walk during lunchtime. I would always notice that every time he would see a passerby, he would smile and say hello. He made it a point to get to know people and learn about their lives. He treated people that he had just met as though he had known them for years.

Leo was never ashamed of his faith in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was clear and unwavering in his faith and convictions, but always reached out to those who disagreed. Leo told his story of redemption, and of how God saved him, a "wretch like me," as he would say. And though it may be cliché, he wouldn't hesitate to say that the song Amazing Grace described him:

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed

That may have been his testimony while on earth, but the song is not over. I can’t help but imagine Leo joining the heavenly choir in signing the last stanza :

When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we first begun

Farewell, my brother and friend. Until we meet again. You will be missed.

-Dan

~ Dan Poris - September 18, 2023

Really sorry to hear of Leo's passing. He impacted so many in such a positive way including myself. Whether it was in his church life, family life, or personal life, his servant-first mentality played out in every aspect of his life. I can remember hiking up Buck Mountain with him a bunch of years ago and he was so positive along the way, encouraging everyone to keep pressing on. His Christ-like attitude was to be exemplified. Knowing he is with his Savior, experiencing unending joy, brings a level of peace to a tragic death. My thoughts and prayers go out to Sharman, the Gervasi Family, and all other family and loved ones.

~ Gabe Gaza - September 16, 2023

Leo's last day was shared with myself as well as five others. From the dawn's first light, a rainbow eclipsing a tree lined ridge, vista after vista with each more splendorous than the previous. He reached the summit that day with a photo of the USGS Benchmark atop Middle Teton followed by a view of the decent. His last words to us were "Heading back".

I can only imagine what thoughts Leo had that day but I can say thanking his Lord for the goodness he was immersed in and Psalm 23 comes to mind.

1] The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
[2] He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
[3] He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
[4] Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
[5] Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
[6] Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

- James Eacker

~ James Eacker - September 15, 2023

I was so sorry to hear of Leo’s passing. We worked together for many years and shared many great memories with the years at HCR and ITS. He was always thinking ahead with the latest technologies and truly loved what he did. We also shared the love of hiking and talked about it often. Although we hadn’t had much communication in the last year he will definitely be missed! ?? ????

~ Jeff Kahabka - September 15, 2023

Our deepest condolences.

Leo was a gem of a person. I have worked with Leo for the last 4 years. Not just colleagues, we've been friends since then. Wherever Leo was present, he made that place joyful whether it’s an office meeting or a day out. We were invited to his church picnic every year. He was so helpful, that one day I was talking about the weeds in my community garden, and he literally came with his weed wacker to clean up the garden. He always used to check how my family was doing.

Leo was thrilled about this vacation. We had discussed about Teton, Yellowstone and the hike he was going to do. I was planning to join him for the next hike too. He shared some of the adventure photos, and we were in touch till Wednesday, and I never expected to hear this news. It’s for sure Leo is with the Almighty and may his soul rest in peace. Our prayers for Sharman and family. May the Almighty give the family and friends strength in this difficult time.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CxM7q4SuLnr/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==



Roy, Susan & Kevin

~ Roy Antony - September 15, 2023

I am saddened to hear of Leo’s passing. As an IT vendor making regular trips to Albany from Rochester, I always looked forward to our conversations about work, family, and even politics. My deepest condolences to Leo’s family, friends, and co-workers at ITS.

~ Ken DiStefano - September 14, 2023

I have only had the pleasure of working with Leo for the last 10 years, and in that time had formed a very strong relationship with him. Leo was no doubt my mentor; teaching me anything he knew, with great respect and patience like none other. Anyone who ever had the pleasure of interacting with Leo expressed how caring and professional he was, and usually can attest that Leo always went the extra mile to make sure everything was right. Leo and I had shared many lengthy and interesting conversations often, discussing everything from caring for a swimming pool, protecting his Church, mowing the grass, to how many tomatoes I have so far. Leo will always be remembered fondly, and I feel privileged to have known him. Godspeed Leo. Please accept my sincerest condolences for this family's loss.

~ Michael Argus - September 14, 2023

I met Leo as an attendee at the Albany Baptist Columbus Day Youth Retreat. He was a regular chauffeur at the retreat and was so kind, friendly, and understanding to me and the other young people who attended. He is a huge part of the happy memories I have of those times and he will be sorely missed there. I’m so thankful to have known him and benefited from his kindness and wisdom. There can be no doubt by any who knew Leo that 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 is true of him, and so we have hope in grief. I’ll be praying for his family and I’m so sorry for their loss. May God bless you and keep you in the midst of your sorrow.

~ Roman Tribunella - September 13, 2023

I live and work in NYC, so I didn't have the opportunity to see or talk to Leo nearly as often as I would have liked. But on the rare occasions I did, it was always a joy, and I thought of him pretty often. Whenever I travelled to Albany, Leo was always the one who offered to drive me to the train station, take me to lunch, or show me around. Also, I'll admit that I don't love answering my desk phone, but I made an exception for Leo and his hearty voice greeting me on the other end.

I was very, very sad to hear about his extremely untimely passing. But we will see each other again, and I'll light a candle for him. Condolences to his family and friends.

~ Paul Gullas - September 13, 2023

To Leo's Family:
Leo was the strongest advocate for spreading the word of God that I have ever known.
He was also one of the smarter people I have ever met. His knowledge for both Science and Religion
was impeccable. It didn't make sense to argue a point with him because he was all about finding the truth.
He once told me, "I'm like a dog on a bone, I don't stop until I know the truth".
He would make sense of a senseless thing like this. I struggle with knowing why he had to leave us this young
but I can picture a conversation that would be very matter of fact with him. I already miss him so much, that it hurts!
In light of knowing that he's gone, I also know that he would want us to carry on and to share God's word with everyone
we meet. To me, The Lord took him like a thief in the night. I can hear him saying, "always be ready because you don't know!"
Here are some quotes that I would like to share:
Hebrews 10:25 (NIV) not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing,
but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. - Leo shared this quote with me....
others are:
Matthew 24:43
But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming,
he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into.

1 Thessalonians 5
Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you,
2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.
3 While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
4 But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.
5 You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.
6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled.
7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.
8 But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.
9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.
10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.
11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
12 Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you.
13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.
14 And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.
16 Be joyful always;
17 pray continually;
18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
19 Do not put out the Spirit's fire;
20 do not treat prophecies with contempt.
21 Test everything. Hold on to the good.
22 Avoid every kind of evil.
23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24 The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.
25 Brothers, pray for us.
26 Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.
27 I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.
28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Like a thief in the night, Leo was taken from us. May God bless you and may you rest in the heavenly arms of
our Lord and Savior, brother Leo. - Until we can meet. laugh and talk again. Pray for us like we will pray for you.
with Love, your Friend and sister in Christ Jesus, Christina Sievers, Justin and Family

~ Christina Sievers - September 13, 2023

I have only had the pleasure of working with Leo for the last 10 years, and in that time had formed a very strong relationship with him. Leo was no doubt my mentor; teaching me anything he knew, with great respect and patience like none other. Anyone who ever had the pleasure of interacting with Leo expressed how caring and professional he was, and usually can attest that Leo always went the extra mile to make sure everything was right. Leo and I had shared many lengthy and interesting conversations often, discussing everything from caring for a swimming pool, protecting his Church, mowing the grass, to how many tomatoes I have so far. Leo will always be remembered fondly, and I feel privileged to have known him. Godspeed Leo. Please accept my sincerest condolences for this family's loss.

~ Michael Argus - September 13, 2023

Worked with Leo for many years at DHCR starting around 2004.
Always kind, always available to assist, always ready with a joke.

Thought's, prayers, and condolences to family.

~ DHCR ALBANY - September 13, 2023

I want to offer my condolances first and foremost and say that Leo was the ultimate professional and voice of reason back in 2011 when he became my manager.

I personally enjoyed our conversations about our families and was thankful for how his door was always open when anyone needed anything. After moving to different areas of NYS ITS we were able to get together for a few lunches over the past 10 years to catch up as a group and while there is nothing special about this conversation, this is the last time I got to speak with him.
[10/28/2022 3:35 PM] Frisino, Leo (ITS)
Hello
[10/28/2022 3:36 PM] Carpe, Stephen (ITS)
Hello old familiar friend
[10/28/2022 3:36 PM] Carpe, Stephen (ITS)
how is Leo
[10/28/2022 3:36 PM] Frisino, Leo (ITS)
I'm fine, how are you.....
[10/28/2022 3:44 PM] Frisino, Leo (ITS)
Have a good weekend
[10/28/2022 3:47 PM] Carpe, Stephen (ITS)
thank you sir, have a good weekend yourself

~ Stephen Carpe - September 13, 2023