Leide William DeFusco
September 15, 1968 ~ August 31, 2012
Resided in:
Pueblo, CO
Captain Leide William DeFusco, 43, passed away on August 31, 2012, in the line of duty while conducting a narcotics investigation from an aircraft in the San Isabel National Forest. Leide was born in Pueblo September 15, 1968, to Tracy and Judith (Chorak) DeFusco. He is preceded in death by his father, Tracy. He is survived by his soul mate, Wendy; his four children, Ashton, Kaylee, Michael and Amanda; his mother, Judy; brothers, Christopher (Sylvia), and Marc (Theresa Sheehan); sister, Mianna Sorensen (Eric); stepmother, Carole DeFusco and her daughter, Retta (Wayne) Canida; father and mother-in-law, Gus and Sue Sandstrom; brothers and sisters-in-law, Michael (Madalyn) Sandstrom, Laurie (Chris) Kilpatrick; nieces and nephews, Erianna, Laney, and Emery Sorensen, Reagan, Grant, and Jackson Sandstrom, Jake, Nicholas, and Matthew DeFusco, and Laurel and Shelby Kilpatrick; and special uncles, Michael Chorak and Doug DeFusco.
Leide graduated from South High in 1986. He worked with his father as an electrician in 1987. He attended Trinidad State Junior College from 1987 to 1989, where he earned his Associates Degree in Criminal Justice, and served as Student Body President. He was hired with the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office in 1990, where he worked as a Deputy until 1995, when he was hired with the Pueblo Police Department. At the police department, Leide served as a Patrol Officer, a Field Training Officer, a Defensive Tactics Instructor, Narcotics Detective, and SWAT team member. As a SWAT member, he also served as a sniper for the department. He also attained the rank of Corporal. In 2006, Leide left the police department to join his friend and mentor, Sheriff Kirk Taylor with the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office. There, he served as Captain in the Detention Center then moved to the Law Enforcement Bureau, where he served as the Captain over Patrol, CSU-P, and the Narcotics Unit. He was also Commander over the SWAT team, a Use of Force Instructor, and Lead Firearms Instructor.
Leide was a leader, a professional, a friend and mentor to all those who knew him. He was a family man, a loving son, brother, husband, and father. He was and is a true hero to so many. His laughter, kindness, character and charisma will be missed by all.
There will be no viewing. Cremation, Montgomery & Steward Crematorium. Memorial service, 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 7, 2012, at Praise Assembly of God, 2000 Troy Ave.
In lieu of food or flowers, donations may be made in Leide's memory to a fund set up for his children at Colorado East Bank & Trust under the name, 'Leide DeFusco Memorial Fund.' Online condolences, www.montgomerysteward.com
Defusco Family- Our thought and prayers are with all of you. May God bring you comfort and peace. Karen and Bob Barger
I am very sorry for your loss! My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Leids memory will live on in his children, that he loved so much. May God bless you all. With Love, Krissie
Our hearts are heavy with pain hearing about Leide. We attended the funeral today, but did not see a book to sign. Just want all of the family to know how much we feel your pain, and send our condolences to everyone. With sincere sympathy, The Coffees
Judy and family, Friends go way back.
My thoughts are with you. Remember the dash. Leide was always there when needed and he will be greatly missed. Dorothy Brock
Judy and Family:
I was so very sorry to hear of your loss. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Deb
Dear Judy & family, We are so sorry for your loss. We remember Leide with fond memories of all the camping trips and jeep excursions we all went on when he was just a little boy. All of our family send condolences to you ,your family ,and Leide’s family. Claude & Carolyn Toussaint
I am the daughter of Sandy(Harvey) Hivitz. We have so much respect for your family. You are all such great people and have brought so much to the Pueblo community. The sudden death of Leide is so shocking. For some reason God always seems to take the good ones home way to soon. Know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers. May you find peace in knowing how loved and respected Leide’s time on this earth was.
I would like to express my deepest sympathy and offer my condolences to the DeFusco family. I met Leide in 1990 when he started working at the Sheriff’s Dept. I had the pleasure of working with him on several occasions through the years. Leide was an excellent officer and friend to myself and many others. You just couldn’t help but like him. He will be sadly missed, but always remembered.
God Bless You “Bro”
Your Friend
Gary White
(Former Deputy)
We can not replace him, or fill his shoes, but we can do the things that he did and carry on his vision for a safer community and a better Colorado. We can remember and honor him by being a faithful and loyal servant of the people… because as Jesus’s Said, “He that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” Leide DeFusco was an example of the “greatest among us” and he shall be missed.
Wendy, and family. A tragic event has taken Leide from our midst and the loss is phenomenal and escapes words.
Cindy and I will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
May the strength, comfort and compassion of God, friends and family support you.
Jim and Cindy Kramer
Dear Family, Friends, and Law Enforcement Colleagues:
On behalf of all Colorado Bureau of Land Management law enforcement officers, kindly accept our most heartfelt condolences for your tragic loss.
Sincerely,
Jeanne M. Proctor
Special Agent in Charge
Bureau of Land Management
Dear Wendy and Family,
We are so saddened by the sudden loss of Leide. Know that his memories live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Thank you Leide for serving your community and thank you for your friendship.
You will never be forgotten.
‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.’ Matthew 5:4
Dear Wendy and Family,
I want so much to find special words that might make you feel a bit better, so I’ll try: When I knew him years ago we were all about 21 years old. I knew then that Leide was going to be an exceptional police officer and in turn an amazing family man. He was already so mature and poised and truly knew his calling was to protect and defend, and I have honestly witnessed that over all these years through all the time and distance. His love was so strong for his family that I’m sure it will transcend all of this tragedy and provide the strength and courage for you and everyone he loved and held in his heart to endure. And with this you’ll have him by your side- always.
To the family of Captain Leide William DeFuseo, in your time of sorrow you are not alone. Know that the Lord will sustain you by his spirit and by the caring friends he sends your way. We extend our heartfelt sympathy; we pray that the God of all peace will comfort your heart during your time of loss.
Pray fully yours,
Todd Wiltbanks
Mrs. Doris Manning & family
I would give ANYTHING to bring that Bojon back…..He had SOOOOOO much more to give in this life. I know your grief is tremendous right now and there is NOTHING I could say to take it away or make it easier……Just know that he IS a GREAT guy and will have to take care of us ALL from Bojon Heaven and I’m sure he WILL!!!!
Leide, Cant believe your gone, Hearing about what happen saddness me. I believe you are a hero to many. Thinking back to high school when u would follow me around. and last time we talked, we are going to make plans for lunch, but it never happened. You owe me one when I see u again. You will always be special to me. your friend
Wendy,
Our deepest thoughts & prayers are with you and your family.
Jerry, Sharon, & Derek Pixler
As expressed last night at our meeting, all members of FOP 34 as well as all public safety officers are saddened at this tragic loss and I know it is very difficult for you and the family. Leide and I spoke several times on matters of mutual concern. He was a dedicated lawman, and he will be missed both professionally and personally. It is a loss for the entire county and the Sheriff’s office.
Wendy, my family and I are saddened by your tragic loss. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most trying time. Leide was a kind and good man. He will be greatly missed.
David Timme
Dear Wendy,
So deeply sadened to heard of your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
Dear Wendy…we are so sorry to hear this news. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers and your DA family around the state is holding you close.
Judy and family, it was with great sadness that I heard of your loss. My grandmother, Mary Shugart, used to babysit for you years ago. I remember fondly the stories she always told about Leide and the boys. She’s gone now as well, but I know she would be sad to hear this. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Leide has always been a good friend to me, and will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. God Bless.
Wendy,
I just ran into you and Leide August 16th at the FBI National Academy Rocky Mountain Luncheon where the both of you were introduced because Leide was recently selected to attend an upcoming class at the FBI National Academy. As I congratulated Leide, I could tell he was so excited on his selection. You should be so proud of him for that recognition. It has been a few years since I’ve seen both of you, but all the memories I have of Leide are ones of a man who truely loved his career. He always treated me professionally with dignity and respect and I am grateful for his professional friendship. Know my prayers and thoughts are with Leide, you and yours.
Wendy and family,
I can not imagine the terrible loss you must feel. Your husband and father was a great man. The pride and passion he held for his job was unbelievable. I will be forever grateful for the knowledge he shared with me. May God guide you through this grief and lead you to healing.
I’M VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.I GREW UP BEING GREAT FRIENDS WITH THE DEFUSCO FAMILY.I HAVE MANY MEMORIES THAT I WILL NEVER FORGET.I WILL MISS LEIDE VERY MUCH.
FRIENDS ALWAYS,TODD
Wendy, I just keep picturing the time at the fair when your mom was yelling at Leide, having to look up at him of course,and shaking her finger at him and telling him that he better never hurt you. I went on a ride a long with him soon after that and he assured me that he was indeed afraid of Sue, but that she had nothing to worry about. That boy loved you more than anything and that love will stay with you always. You and Leide’s family will remain in my thoughts and prayers. Love to you all, Johnna
Dearest Wendy, My heart goes out to you and your family in this very sad time. I wish there were words of comfort to help you through. I hope you can find some peace in the knowledge that God will not give you more than you can bear. I pray for your courage from God and for Him to keep you close to His heart. Your husband will live forever in the hearts of you, his children and your families. God Bless you and the kids.
Dear DeFusco Family,
I can only imagine, the heartbreak and loss you are feeling. I had the honor of working with Capt. DeFusco while he was assigned to detention security. He truly impacted many lives positively and will be greatly missed by all that knew him. He is a True Hero. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all. God Bless You.
Norma and Dave Mower
Dear Judy and Family,
You must of been so proud of Leide as a son and brother. We are thinking and praying for you in this time of sorrow.
Love The Zoss’s
Wendy and Family
May God grant you courage, strength and peace. Words to describe Leide are of many, God gave us a great person in Leide, “a true hero”. Stay strong, praying for you and your amazing DeFusco and Sandstrom family! The Scheid Family
Wendy and Family, I am so very sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your children.
Our condolences to you and your family.
Wendy, I am so sorry for your loss. We at the DA’s office will be praying for you and your family.
From my family to yours, I am so sorry for your loss. Please find strength between all of you to comfort and hold up at this awful time Deb Zamarripa and family
Wendy & family
Very sorry to hear of your loss.
I care.
Wendy and family
I knew Leide to be a wonderful person and my family and are so saddend for your loss. He will be missed greatly. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Wendy & family ~ Leide touched so many lives, but none as much as yours. I pray for each of you, God’s blessings and a peace that passes all undertanding. Know that you will be together again.
Wendy and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, as well as all of Leide’s family and friends. I so enjoyed being a co-worker to you and Leide at Pueblo County, as well as neighbors, for many years. We will never forget how well he treated my son when he would go to shovel your walks in the winter. Leide would always tell my Kyle that if he would make a path from your front door to all the doors of your suburban so you and the kids wouldn’t fall that he would pay him extra. He always waved and talked to us when he saw us, and always had a smile on his face. Our memories might be small ones, but they mean alot to us! May God bless you and keep you strong during this difficult time. Please let us know if you need anything. Wadene, John, Chris, and Kyle Bloms
Some good memories of Leide from long ago times at the Sheriff’s Department…may you find strength in the Lord and comfort in family and friends and those who’s life he touched. In Sympathy, Steve and Tari Neal
Wendy and family, We are so sorry for your loss. May Leide’s spirit live on in our beautiful Rocky Mountains.
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Scott and Susan Schiff
Leide, you were what a leader should be, all action with a few words sprinkled in here and there to bring others along. Thank you for being an inspiration to so many. You are missed profoundly.
Wendy, please accept my sympathy & know that my thoughts are with you and your family in this difficult time. God Bless all of you.
Today I went to an area I once hunted with you. While there I remembered your laugh and your dedication to your family and friemds. I’ll never forget you brother and every time I go there I will listen for your laugh in the tress. love ya man, Pope
I am so sorry to hear abput Leide’s passing. He was great and caring person. He will be dearly missed. God Bless you all in this difficult time.