Obituary of Albert Leonardis

Leonardis, Albert – 97 years young passed with peace and grace on March 8, 2018, family and friends at his side. He was born in Brooklyn, NY - July 7, 1920, the son of the late Vincenzo and Francesca (Tepedino) Leonardis.  Albert was predeceased by his loving wife of 69 years, Concetta, in 2013.   He was also predeceased by his maternal grandmother, Marie Tepedino, who helped raise him, his caring step- mother Vincenza (Quaglia) Leonardis, a brother Jack Leonardi, step siblings Frank Aurrichio and Lucy Presti, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.  He is survived by his sister, Frances Goulding who always told Al, “I’m so glad you’re my brother!” and step- sister Marie(Sal) Calandra;  daughters Frances Manganello (Joseph deceased) of Westbrook, CT, Patricia Killeen (Michael) of Stamford , CT, Madeline Minisci (Joseph) of White Plains, NY; sons Vincent Leonardis (Patricia) of Hernando, FL, Albert Leonardis (Yvonne) of Pompano Beach, FL;  grandchildren:  Jennifer, Julie, Jamie, Michael, John, Nicholas, Lauren, Connie and Vincent Jr.; great grandchildren: Henry, Jack, Madelyn, Callie, Vivian, Alexis, Christopher, Sean, Logan, Gabriela, Emma, and Eliana. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews.

Albert married Concetta Carrozzo, on July 30, 1944 in Brooklyn, NY.  Moving his young family to White Plains in 1949 was one of the great joys of his life. Together he and Concetta transformed an old house into a lovely home with beautiful gardens and rooms filled with children, friends and family.   After their children were raised Albert and Concetta lived in Sayville, NY, Hopewell Junction, NY and Poughkeepsie, NY.   After his wife passed, Albert eventually moved to Riverside, Ct. where he enjoyed being near his children and grandchildren and where he added to his family many new lifelong friends. For more than 60 years Albert worked for the Edwin B. Stimpson Company as a machinist, supervisor, and then later as a designer and consultant for their chemical waste disposal system in Bayport, NY and Pompano Beach, FL.    Although he left school in his teens to support his family, Albert never lost his thirst for knowledge and pursued his education again as an adult. He was a designer and builder of tools, and was often found at one of his children or grandchildren’s homes working on a project.  Albert was an avid reader and shared his love for golf with his wife and children; he enjoyed his first hole in one with his grandson at the age of 90. When not making wine with his son-in-law he was cooking for his family and friends. He loved to travel with his wife especially if it was a college visit or graduation for one of his grandchildren who he was so very proud of. He held a special bond with each individually and was a great inspiration and role model.

Albert will be always remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend whose greatest passion was his family and helping others.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked that memorial contributions in Albert’s name be made to Hill House Senior Residence, 10 Riverside Avenue, Riverside, CT.  06878, ,  or St, Clement of Rome Church, 535 Fairfield Ave, Stamford, CT 06902

Calling hours will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 PM on Tuesday, March 13th at the Thomas M Gallagher Funeral Home, (next to the Knights of Columbus) 453 Shippan Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902 (203) 359-9999.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 14th at 10:00 AM at St. Clement of Rome Church, 535 Fairfield Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902 followed by interment in Mount Calvary Cemetery in White Plains.  For driving directions and online condolences, please visit https://gallagherfuneralhome.com