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At 85, 'Mr. Leo' celebrated as Kent Island Md. character

Mr. Leo works as a courtesy clerk at the Safeway in Chester, Md. collecting shopping carts, helping load cars and cheerfully calling out to nearly everyone he saw. Mr. Leo quickly became a fixture.

Leo Gallardo didn’t grow up on Kent Island and he’s not much on the boating and water sports lifestyle there.

But the Brooklyn, NY transplant has become more popular than any politician.

“There are givers and takers in this world, and Mr. Leo is an absolute giver and that’s what makes everything great here on the island,” said Kent Island resident Paul Walker.

Walker was among at least 200 people who turned out Thursday to celebrate Leo’s 85th birthday.

After a career as a print shop worker and the loss of his wife at age 55, Leo came to Kent Island 17-years ago from his lifelong home in Brooklyn on the advice of a friend who said the Eastern Shore Maryland community was a friendly and quiet spot for retirement.

Leo never left.

Thirteen years ago, the widower who lives alone began working as a courtesy clerk at the Safeway in Chester, Md. collecting shopping carts, helping load cars and cheerfully calling out to nearly everyone he saw. Mr. Leo quickly became a fixture.

“I just like to stay busy and active. That’s what it’s all about,” Leo said. He has no plans to quit.

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Despite his age, Leo has worked through blizzards and heat waves, rarely missing a day.

“Everybody knows Leo, he’s the charmer of the store,” said one customer. “It’s what keeps us coming back.”

“I want people to know life is too short,” Leo said in a thick New York accent. “You gotta have a sense of humor, you know what I mean? You walk around grumpy and that’s not going to solve any problems.”

Leo said the biggest challenges in his life were the loss of his wife and the death of a 17-year-old grandson from Leukemia. During his darkest times, Leo said he remained determined to keep life upbeat.

A Facebook post by local resident Kirk Young announcing Leo’s birthday spread like wildfire.

Local real estate agent Terri Murray offered up her office next to the Safeway for a spontaneous community party after Leo’s shift collecting carts ended Thursday. Queen Anne’s County Sheriff Gary Hoffman gave Leo a proclamation for his community spirit as a large crowd cheered.

Between co-workers at the Safeway and loyal customers, more than $10,000 was collected to cover Leo’s rent at a nearby senior living community for many months to come.

Leo said he also hoped to travel to New York soon to see his beloved Mets play once the season gets going.

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