RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Joseph George DiLeonardi was born in Calvello, Basilicata Italy on March 31, 1932 to Dorothy and Gerardo DiLeonardi. As the second of five children born of this marriage, the family migrated to the northwest side of Chicago and settled in the Belmont/Cragin community; and,
WHEREAS, Joseph DiLeonardi attended the local Chicago Public Schools, graduating both from Mary Lyon Elementary School and Steinmetz High School (January 1950). While attending Steinmetz, in 1948, he played in the City High School Championship baseball game at Wrigley Field. Shortly thereafter, he attended Wright College and continued his education at the University of Illinois at Navy Pier; and,
WHEREAS, Joseph DiLeonardi joined the University of Illinois baseball team in 1950, hitting .355 with on base percentage of .478. He played first base and outfield, where he compiled a .959 fielding average. As captain of the squad in 1950, he led his team to an 11-5 record. He earned the team's most valuable player honor in both 1950 and 1951; and,
WHEREAS, In 1952, Joseph DiLeonardi was drafted into the U.S. Army and trained at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. There, he was honored as Most Outstanding Trainee. He was assigned to the Military Police and received a promotion to Staff Sergeant. In 1955, after serving his country he joined the Chicago Police Department; and,
WHEREAS, Although best known as a prominent Homicide Detective, Joseph DiLeonardi held positions in Exempt Rank as a City Wide Homicide Commander, City Wide Commander Gang Crimes, as well as 19m District Commander at Belmont and Western, Deputy Superintendent of Investigative Services, Deputy Superintendent of Community Services, and Acting Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. During his career in Homicide, he was known for his thoroughness in investigating cases and his services were sought throughout the Chicago area. He consulted and was personally involved in several nationally prominent murder cases and ...
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