Donnell J. Leomiti
June 10, 1973 ~ July 4, 2020
Born in:
Santa Ana, California
Resided in:
Pueblo, CO
>>To attend the live-streaming services, please click here.<<
Donnell Jermaine Leomiti, 47, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on July 4, 2020. He is preceded in death by his mother, Siliaga Leomiti, and grandfather, Firipele Leomiti. He leaves behind many to cherish his memory including his loving wife, Lauren; children, Donnell Jr., Siliaga, Malekai, Kae’ane and Myalyn; brothers, Derrick (Tina) Leomiti, Junior (Heidi) Wood, and Nelly (Tusisaleia) Lang; grandmother, Noela Leomiti; father and mother- in-law, Mark and Debie Dunsmoor; and numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, extended family, Pack family and Buff family. Born June 10, 1973, in Santa Ana, CA, Donnell came to the University of Colorado from Pavaiai, American Samoa. He had an incredible football career at CU and when his playing days were over, he took his unmatchable work ethic, love for the game and insane competitiveness into coaching. The last 13 years of his 21 year coaching career were spent at CSU-Pueblo where he fell in love with the university. He was an incredibly humble man that preached to his players to always “Do Your Job.” His smile was infectious and he never complained about anything. He loved the Lord, his family and his players. A special thank you to John Wristen, the DeRose Family and all of CSU-Pueblo for your unbelievable support and love during Donnell’s battle. To Dr. Sandeep Vijan, the staff at Parkview, Dr. Tom Purcell and the staff at Anschutz Cancer Center, thank you for your care. And thank you to Frontier Hospice for being our angels. Celebration of Life will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 17, 2020, at the Neta & Eddie DeRose Thunderbowl. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, face masks are required and there will not be a memorial book at the service. Please sign Donnell’s online condolence page at www.MontgomerySteward.com. In lieu of food and flowers, memorials may be made to Friends of Football, Leomiti Scholarship, 504 N Grand Avenue, Pueblo, CO 81003 or to Lauren Leomiti in Donnell’s honor, c/o Montgomery & Steward Funeral Directors, 1317 N. Main Street, Pueblo, CO 81003.
>>To attend the live-streaming services, please click here.<<
With sympathy; you are in out thoughts and prayers. We feel blessed to have crossed paths with Coach Leo and you. Our two boys, Joe and Kyle Rosenbrock, had the highest respect for your husband and we know they are better men because of his leadership, patience, guidance he displayed while coaching them. We will honor his memory and pray for your family. Our condolences to your family.
You will be missed. God Bless you, and your loved ones.
Lauren and family ~ I was fortunate enough to meet Coach Leo and your entire family. I immediately felt the love you all shared and the love that Coach shared with all his football family. it was wonderful to be a part of it all. It was such an inspiration to meet a family like yours and makes us want to love a little more, a little deeper and a love to be shared to something much larger than us. RIP Coach Leo … you have certainly earned it.
A perfect combination of compassion and competitiveness made Coach Leo the epitome of a players’ coach.
You could always sense how genuinely happy he was for you when you had success. Whether it was running right beside you celebrating an interception, or giving you his signature “My man”! and dapping you up when you told him about your new job, or welcoming your first child.
One of the biggest lessons I carry with me from being around him, is this ability he had to reframe failures and adversity, as learning opportunities and catalysts for growth. Something we all witnessed him practice himself, in such a refreshing and courageous way these last seven years, even when the stakes were the highest. Always someone to give credit and wear blame. A true leader. When I think of him, it’s like tapping in to this infinite well of inspiration and I see it as one more gift he’s given me.
To Lauren,
I still remember when we noticed coach Leo crushing on the new track coach from down the hall. We teased him and said he might be out kicking his coverage, but he just laughed and said, “you’re probably right, but I’m gonna shoot my shot”.
I guess the joke was on us because not long after he called me in his office, wearing that contagious smile, asking me to be an usher in your wedding. What an honor.
My prayer for you and the rest of your family, is that you may come to know the void left in his physical absence, as the presence of his spirit in your lives and celebrate this crater in your soul as evidence of the impact he made on you and on all of The Pack Family.
I am forever indebted to him and therefore, all of you.
Much love from The Hernandez Family
Beautiful service yesterday for an inspirational man! Lauren, I was amazed at your strength, and that of your family. My deepest condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you, your children, and your entire family.
Thank you for giving me a chance.
It was a pleasure meeting Coach Leomiti, we are thankful for his role in our son’s life. You will always be remembered. Our deepest condolences to the family.
The Holton Family
Love and miss you so much big bro! You’re the oldest of all us grandkids and left us way too soon. You represented our Leomiti name with pride and your legacy will live on forever! We love you
May Donnell Rest In Peace. Prayers to the entire family from ours.
Donnell is a solid man as they come, soft spoken with a powerful spirit.
I will miss him, his visits to checkout our kids.
All his Football wisdom, God help us. We lost another Champion.
Coach Leo was the epitome of the man I strive to be daily. Thankful to have known him.
Praying for peace for the Leomiti family.
Coach Leo may you rest in peace knowing your job is done. We also offer prayers 🙏 to your family during this difficult time 🙏❣
Dear Lauren,
All my love to you and your family. I didn’t meet Donnell but I knew what kind of person he was because; when You first met your entire face would light up when you spoke of him.
I’m here if you need anything.
Love,
Earl (Earlene) Root
Condolences and peace and love from both of us. We are so saddened by his loss and grieve for his family. Rest in Power Thunderwolf. Jim and Kathy Gilligan
Coach Leo. Never once did a player, coach, or individual question your love for this life. Never once did you take for granted 1 minute you got to spend on Gods green earth. To the times I got to spend in your presence, I’ll cherish them forever. To Lauren and the kids, don’t ever hesitate to ask for help. You guys are the warriors that will keep his name and spirit alive. Much love to the Leomitis. ❤️
Lauren and family, Although I met you only once, through my husband Tom Miller, I feel like I know you all through Tom’s many stories about Donnell and his beautiful family. The words “class act” came up over and over. Not only did Tom respect Donnell as a coach, he admired him as a human being. I’m sure they are talking about their beloved sport with one another in Heaven. My sincere condolences, Debbie Pardee
Dear Family,
Our hearts are mourning with you but we are happy and blessed to know that he is with our Lord and Saviour preparing a place for us to join him when our time comes.
Be Blessed, Lorne & Ernestine Gallati
TO DONNELL,
WORDS CANT EXPLAIN..THE LAST TIME I SAW YOU WAS WHEN I WAS LIL.EVENTHO AS EVERYONE GOT OLDER AND EVERYONE LIFE CHANGE I WISH WE STAYED IN CONTACT, MAY YOU REST IN PEACE OUR PRAYERS N CONDOLENCES TO LAUREN N KIDS. TILL WE MEET AGAIN DONNELL!!!!!!
To our beloved Donnell, we love you so much bro. You were family to us back in our Boulder, CO days, so you will always be family. We know that this world is not our home, we’re just passIng through, you are at home now, and I know that God greeted you with opened arms. We will always cherish our friendship, laughs, late night Monopoly tournaments, and of course your cooking. You made the best grilled chicken ever. Although you gave me the recipe, we could never put the love you put into it. May you Rest In Peace. Until we see you again. Love you Big D! 🙏🏾
Thank you for your amazing example! Your quiet dignity was something I always admired about you. Love & prayers to your beautiful wife & children. It is evident that you left a legacy of love, hard work, & courage that blessed many people who were lucky to know you. God be with you til we meet again.
Condolences to the families. Manuia lau malaga Donnell Leomiti. Rest in peace Bro. Send my love to my wife Punipuao Pouli..C/of 92. Leone Lions..
Lauren…
Although I have never had the pleasure of actually meeting you or Donnell,
I have had the utmost admiration, both individually and collectively…
I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Donnell…Throughout his
life, he has been the epitome of class and leadership…
Although mere words are of little comfort, please find strength
and solace in knowing, Donnell is no longer suffering and now in the
Lord’s Kingdom…
You and your family are in my continued thoughts and prayers…
Our deepest sympathy and love to you all.
Love,
Billie Jean, Dave and Aaron Cortese
Cassie and Rory Moores
You were one of my older brother’s oldest and dearest friend, from elementary school to high school and to college. You were always very kind and humble. Thank you Lord that I had pleasure of knowing you. Deepest condolences to your wife and kids, especially to your families and friends. Manuia tele lau Malaga.
In the few years that I have known Donnell and his family it was obvious that he excelled at everything he did including being a Husband, Father, Coach, Mentor, Warrior and builder of men. He will be missed by this entire community.
I am so sorry for your family’s loss. Your beautiful children are a reflection of the love, courage and kindness that comes only from a home filled with love. I have the greatest pleasure of seeing your sweet Malachi and Keani at school and will pray for them and their precious sister. You have an incredible family and your community is here to support you. Love and prayers, Tisha Martin (SVE teacher and former librarian)
The Warrior Coach Leo, Love you and Thank You. I will continue to live and pass down the “BE” attitudes. Mrs. Lauren Leomiti, I pray for strength for you, your family, and all my fellow teammates. God bless you.
Once in a while, you meet someone who changes your life– someone who helps you see the world differently, someone you’ll always remember. That was Donnell!! Dave and I loved him. They were brothers in cancer! Now, they get to talk in heaven.❤️ To Lauren, the kids, Debi and Mark, with God’s help, you’ll find peace and comfort! Praying 🙏
Once in a while, you meet someone who changes your life–someone who helps you see the world differently, someone you’ll always remember. That was Donnell!! Dave and I loved you and your family so much!! Now, they can talk in heaven.
So sorry for your loss…hope your memories will forever bring smiles to your family.
Rest In Peace my Brother!!! God was looking for a DC and called upon you!!! Condolences to your Family and May God provide some peace and guidance to them!! ❤️❤️❤️🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🌺🌺🌺
Leo, You fought your battle with the strength, courage and the warrior mentality that I remember from our days at CU. You will be missed my friend.
My love and prayers are with you and your family, Lauren. I have many wonderful memories of you and was happy that you found Donnell. Your love and the faith you shared was an inspiration to everyone. May he rest in peace and may God comfort you. Cherish your memories.
Love, Ruth Anne Pearce
May he Rest In Peace
Lauren my friend I don’t know how to express my sadness for you and your beautiful children. Coach Leo was one of a kind and a true miracle man of God. Knowing Donnell, you and your children is one of the best things that has happened to me. I love you all! All my prayers to help carry you through this. My condolences to all family and friends.