Lodovico S. "Loody" CHRISTOFERO Born: Seattle, Washington ~ April 3, 1917 Died: Seattle, Washington ~ December 2, 2010 L. S. "Loody" Christofero, well known for his service as the Boy Scout executive of the Chief Seattle Council died on December 2, 2010. He was 93 years old, but forever young in his pursuit of life. Loody had a vital lifetime interest in the Boy Scout movement, both as a volunteer and professional. He became an Eagle Scout and served as a youth leader in his Ballard Troop 125. He was then selected as a staff member for Camp Parsons where he led treks in the Olympics, and served as water front director. The swim beach there is named in his honor. Loody graduated from Ballard High School in 1935 and attended Seattle School of Business. His interest in the beauty and challenge of the mountains started during those days of Camp Parsons adventures, and remained with him throughout his life. He was a skilled mountaineer and climbed most of the peaks of the Northwest. In addition he was an enthusiastic backpacker, hiking literally thousands of miles in the Cascades and Olympics. Loody was an avid and accomplished skier too, making breath-taking runs even in his 80s. His professional Scouting career commenced as a field executive in Seattle. He served for two years until he was called up for World War II. During the war Loody was a pilot flying the "hump" (the Himalayas) withC-46 cargo planes supplying the China Burma India Theater. Enemy aircraft were a threat, but also the hazardous high altitude weather conditions. Loody flew more than 70 missions and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with two Oak Leaves, the highest recognition given by the Air force for bravery and exemplary service. Upon returning from WWII in 1945, Loody was re-employed by the Seattle Boy Scout council and soon became Scout executive for Wenatchee, Washington. In 1951 however, he was called to duty during the Korean War, and he and his family were stationed in England. Following discharge in 1953, Loody continued his Scouting career as Scout executive in Bellingham, and then in 1959 he was elevated to deputy regional executive in Portland Oregon. On December 1, 1966 he accepted the position of Scout executive for the Chief Seattle Council. This was a dream come true for Loody and for the multitude of Scouts, volunteers and friends who knew of his excellence and great leadership abilities. They were anxious to serve with him. Over the next eight years he guided them with wisdom, and overcame the very difficult financial problems associated with Seattle's economy. He led the council to higher and higher levels of excellence and achievement. In 1974 he advanced once again, to become director of camping and outdoor programs for the National Council BSA. He retired in 1979. Boy Scouting has recognized Loody with two awards for Distinguished Service: one, the Silver Beaver, awarded in Seattle, and the next, the Silver Antelope awarded by the Western Region. One of Loody's favorite inspirational pieces was HIGH FLIGHT written by a fellow officer and pilot. Here is a fitting line he cherished: "I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung my eager craft through footless halls of air, up the long delirious burning blue, I have topped the windswept heights with easy grace." Flying was clearly a high grace for Loody. He wanted to share this grace, and upon his retirement became a docent at the Seattle Museum of Flight. The museum provided material for an article which appeared in the Seattle Times on Veteran's Day, 2010 "MEET A HERO." It described 93 year old Loody Christofero of Seattle, C-46 andB-17 pilot during World War II and the Korean War, retired Major who spent seven years protecting his country. Loody Christofero took many people along with him in service to his fellow man, as one reads and promises in the Boy Scout Oath, which he lived. He will be missed by his loving family and friends. Loody was preceded in death by his parents; and by his wife Eleanor Cryor Christfero, son Anthony, brother Antonio, and sister Maria "Jenny" Libby. He is survived by his daughter Carol Christofero-Snider (Randall), granddaughters Heather E. Snider and Hattie Snider-McDonnell (Michael), soon-to-be McDonnell great grandchild, and niece Melody Libby. In lieu of flowers please send memorials to Chief Seattle Council, Boy Scouts of America, 3120 Rainier Ave S., Seattle, WA 98144, or to the Museum of Flight, 9404 East Marginal Way S, Seattle, WA 98108. A gathering of friends and loved ones will be held at the Museum of Flight on Monday December 13, at 1:00 p.m.
Published in The Seattle Times from December 9 to December 12, 2010
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