We are deeply saddened by the unexpected passing of Leigh Pechillo, a remarkable woman whose life was defined by compassion, service, and an unwavering commitment to others. Leigh had a rare gift for transforming care into action. From her first days of wheeling patients to their car at the local hospital as a teen to serving her community through faith, volunteerism, and global outreach, she lived with a profound belief that everyone deserved to be seen, heard, and supported.
That same spirit ultimately led Leigh to the American Heart Association after heart disease touched her own family. She became an enthusiastic advocate, volunteer, fundraiser, and leader—championing school‑based initiatives, creating Heart Walk Teams, and lending her voice to lifesaving policy efforts. Leigh did not simply support the mission; she embodied it, showing others what it truly meant to give back with purpose, gratitude, and heart.
In 2014, Leigh’s journey took a powerful and unexpected turn when she survived a sudden cardiac arrest on Mother’s Day—saved by CPR, the very action she had long advocated for. This moment marked the beginning of a deeply meaningful chapter in her life. Leigh bravely shared her story to educate and empower others, particularly women, encouraging them to listen to their bodies and underscoring the critical importance of knowing Hands‑Only CPR. She traveled, spoke at events, and participated in media interviews, offering hope and resilience to countless individuals through her voice and lived experience.
In 2015, Leigh took the stage at the Greater Hartford Go Red for Women Luncheon, sharing her heart journey during the Open Your Heart appeal. She continued to speak up and speak out for women’s heart health hoping that her story might inspire others to live healtheir lives and learn Hands-Only CPR.
In 2017, she was honored with the first American Heart Association Connecticut Women of Distinction Award, recognizing her passion, dedication, and extraordinary impact. In a moment that reflected her devotion to family and community, her children were also honored—receiving Heart Hero Awards presented by American Heart Association President, Nancy Brown.
Leigh’s connection to the American Heart Association was deeply personal and enduring supporting the mission in every way she could. She continued to be an integral part of the Heart Association as Connecticut Board President in 2020 and then joined the Association as a development director of the Greater Hartford Go Red for Women Luncheon in 2022 and 2023. She was a member of the WomenHeart Champion – Class of 2024 – a National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease. Most recently, Leigh worked at the local children’s hospital foundation, supporting children and families in donor relations and ambassador programs—continuing to inspire others and create lasting change.
Leigh’s impact cannot be measured by programs launched, events led, or dollars raised. It lives on in the countless lives shaped by her words and actions, and in the quiet confidence she gave others to believe that even the smallest gestures can create profound and lasting change. Leigh Pechillo leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and service that will continue to ripple through the American Heart Association and far beyond. We honor her not only by remembering all she accomplished, but by carrying her example forward leading with empathy, showing up for one another, and never underestimating the power of a giving heart.
Our deepest condolences and thoughts are with Leigh’s family, most especially to her daughter, Allie, and her son, Robby – who were a driving force behind her motivation and passion to make the world a better place by creating healthier hearts and lives, for all.