Freeport – Leo M. Vaccaro, 79 of Rural Freeport passed away peacefully at home on October 10, 2023. He was born February 3, 1944 in Savanna, Illinois to Leo and Mary (Williams) Vaccaro. He graduated from Hanover High School.  He served his country in the Air Force from 1966 to 1972.   Leo then moved his family from Oklahoma back to Freeport and worked at Kelly Springfield and the locker plant in Elizabeth before eventually becoming an inspector for the Illinois Department of Agriculture, the FDA, and the USDA.  He married Beth Dotson on September 19, 1998, and together they began a new adventure with each other.

A devoted family man, Leo was a very dedicated and loving father, grandfather, and husband.  He especially adored his grandchildren and watching them grow.  Truly a friend to everyone, he could always be counted on to lend a helping hand whenever needed, and he was renowned for his kindness, gentleness, and patience.  You could always count on Leo for a good conversation over a cup of coffee.

Leo was born with a passion for horses that continued throughout his entire life.  Most of his childhood was spent on a farm in Hanover training and showing horses with his stepfather, Barney.  He embraced and practiced natural horsemanship methods, which emphasize creating a trusting relationship with a horse.  When it came to training a horse, he would always say "Make the right thing easy and the wrong thing difficult." Leo was fascinated with equine genetics and would happily spend hours out in a field of horses watching their behaviors and enjoying their beauty.

Aside from horses, he loved to be outdoors working on projects around the farm or in his leather shop.  He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his son Mike.  Leo also loved to read through Western Horseman magazines or any other type of equine publication.  He was a very good cook, and just this past July developed a love for going on cruises.

He is survived by his wife, Beth of Freeport; his son, Michael (Rebecca) Vaccaro of Hanna City, IL; his daughters, Lorrie (fiancé – Tim Marsh) Vaccaro of Frederick, CO, Amie (Brad) Lane of Huntley, IL and Nichole (Caleb) Isaacson of Milledgeville, IL.  His legacy also includes his 5 grandchildren, Alex Vaccaro, Molly Cragg, Leo Isaacson, Natalie Lane and Elisabeth Isaacson. He is preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather, Barney St. John, infant daughter, Jenny and his half-brother Jack Trent. A memorial has been established in his name. Condolences can be left for the family at www.walkermortuary.com.