Angelo A. Leonardis

Angelo passed away on November 14, 2024, in Rochester, NY. Predeceased by his parents & two sisters. Angelo is survived by loving wife, Maria C. Leonardis; children, Vincent (Joanne) Leonardis, Joyce (Giovanni) LaGamba, Tony Leonardis; grandchildren, Jacob & Jordan, Antonio & LuciaRosa; granddog Casey; sisters, Gessi Lardizzone & Donatella Leonardis; many loving nieces, nephews & dear friends.

Angelo was born in the small town of Molinara, Italy, near Naples, and grew up during the Great Depression of the 1930s and World War II. These challenging early years shaped him into a tough and resilient individual as he and his family faced poverty and the dangers of war.

After serving in the Italian Army in the mid-1950s, Angelo sought a better life and decided to emigrate to America. His journey first brought him to Canada, and the process of immigrating to the United States took several years. During this time, while traveling back and forth across the border, Angelo was introduced to a beautiful young woman named Maria through mutual acquaintances. Within six months, they were married, beginning a 63-year love story.

The young couple settled in Brockport, NY, where they raised three children and became deeply rooted in the community. Angelo built a long and fulfilling career as a maintenance technician at SUNY Brockport, where he was beloved by staff. His small office became a popular hangout for coworkers, drawn to his friendly demeanor and remarkable ability to fix anything mechanical, despite having no formal training.

After retiring in 1992, Angelo embraced a vibrant life filled with traveling, spending time with friends, and cherishing his family and beloved grandchildren. A devout, lifelong Roman Catholic, he was an active member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Greece.

Even in his later years, Angelo stayed busy and engaged. He faithfully tended to his garden every day, crafted his own wine, and pursued his passions as an avid hunter and bocce player at the Italian American Community Center. He also remained a loyal supporter of his childhood soccer team, Napoli.

Angelo will be remembered by all who knew him for his warm smile, easygoing manner, and kind spirit. He was truly one of the good guys, leaving behind a legacy of love, hard work, and a life well-lived.

Angelo’s visitation will be held from 9:00-10:00 am on Tuesday, November 19th at the funeral home, 1411 Vintage Lane. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated from 10:30 until 11:30 am on Tuesday, November 19th at St. John the Evangelist Church, 2400 West Ridge Rd. Interment in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery from 12:00-12:30 pm. Lunch at the Italian American Community Center will follow the cemetery, from 1:00-2:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Angelo’s name to the Padre Pio Chapel, 141 Frank Dimino Way, Rochester NY 14624.