Leonard Covello

August 25, 2015

Leonard "Len" Covello of Prescott, Arizona passed away peacefully at the age of 96 on Aug. 25, 2015. While his departure was not unexpected, his loss will leave a void in the lives of all who knew and loved him. Leonard was born in Brooklyn, New York on Oct. 13, 1918 and was raised in Dumont, New Jersey. He graduated from Springfield College, in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1941. While there, he traveled nationally with the men's Gymnastics Exhibition Team, which emphasized the YMCA motto of "spirit, mind and body." The gymnastics group was featured in the Jan. 23, 1939 issue of Life magazine. Leonard then went on to receive his Masters of Education from Columbia University. After serving in the Army Air Corp. as a Captain during WWII he returned to a lifelong career as a Physical Director and Health & We llness Specialist for the YM-YWCA in Newark, New Jersey, New York City, New England, and finally in the Midwest region. He was honored with the Roberts-Gulick Award and the J. Naismith Passion Award for mentoring. One of the proudest moments of his long career was his role in the induction of the sport of volleyball to the Olympic Games. Len and his wife Audrey chose to retire to Prescott, Arizona in 1984. Even into retirement, he led a life of wellness, hiking, skiing and traveling the world. He also devoted considerable time and energy to his church and the community of Prescott. Len will be missed by all who knew him, but his example of leading a determined, kind, cheerful and well-lived life endures through his wife and best friend, Audrey Covello; his daughter Lynn Ebsen (Paul) of Waynesville, North Carolina; son, Mark (deceased Oct. 2, 2002); daughter-in-law Gail Covello Kimball (Wallace) of Veazie, Maine; grandchildren Julie Ebsen Demuth (Paul) and Scott Ebsen (Kristen); three great-grandchildren Westin, Emerson and Shepherd Ebsen; and many good friends. Heart felt recognition to all who read this and smile at his memory. Internment in Bennington, Vermont at a later date. Condolences may be left through sunrisefuneralhome.com. Those desiring to make a memorial contribution are encouraged to consider making a donation to the Springfield College Gymnastics Exhibition Team in memory of Leonard Covello, Class of 1941; Springfield College, 263 Alden St., Springfield, MA 01109. Sunrise Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. Information provided by survivors.