Leo John Puccinelli

Leo John Puccinelli was born on September 8, 1921, in Fagnano, Italy, the youngest of four children of Andrea and Gemma (Lemucci) Puccinelli. He moved to Elko, Nevada, at the age of 2 and was a lifelong resident of the community. He graduated from Elko High School in 1939 and earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Nevada, Reno. His studies were interrupted by World War II, during which he served in the Marines.

He received his Juris Doctorate from the University of San Francisco in 1950. Upon completing his degree, he returned to Elko, where he practiced law for 54 years. A dedicated public servant, Leo was a member of the State Bar of Nevada Board of Governors from 1966 to 1976 and served as its president from 1976 to 1977. In 1980 he served as president of the Western States Bar.

Beyond the practice of law, Leo served on many state commissions and boards, including the Nevada State Crime Commission, and he was a member of the Nevada State Racing Commission. Often considered the voice of Elko, he was long active in the civic life of his hometown. Leo John Puccinelli died on October 22, 2006.