A man known for his warmth, selflessness and kindness, Leo Luke Governale, 77, of Statesville, N.C., passed away on May 25, 2025, at the Gordon Hospice House in Statesville. A native of Tampa, Fla., he was born to the late Angelo Natoli and Rose Bartolotti Governale. A graduate of the University of South Florida, he was a Civil Engineer by trade. He was known as everyone’s biggest cheerleader. No one could ever say anything bad about this family man. He loved children, spending time running youth organizations and coaching and umpiring softball. He was also a purveyor of copious amounts of music and sports trivia.

Leo was the beloved husband of 49 years to Rebecca “Becky” Mae Hastings Governale. He was the father of Heather Diaz (John) of Statesville, Ashley Ayotte (Derek) of Statesville, Rhiana Ortiz (Jay) of Clearwater, Fla., and Gina Knight (Christopher) of Mooresville. He was a brother to Joseph Governale of Tampa, Fla., but to everyone who knew him, it was his grandchildren (Olivia, Gianna, Leo, Luca, Easton, Stella and Liam) and his great-grandchild (Ezekiel Messiah Munoz) that enamored his heart.

To celebrate his memory, a memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Cornerstone Church in Statesville.

In his memory, the family requests that donations be made in his name to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation (t2t.org) 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306.t2t.org

Condolences may be shared with the family online at http://www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com.

Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home of Statesville is honored to be entrusted with the care of Leo Luke Governale and his family.