News Summary
Leonard ‘Lenny’ Vaccaro Sr., a beloved family man and U.S. Army veteran, has peacefully passed away at his home at the age of 95. Born in Cleveland, Vaccaro led a fulfilling life, dedicating himself to his family and serving in the military during the Korean War. He is remembered for his passion for woodworking and sports and is survived by his wife, three sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Family and friends can pay their respects at St. Gabriel Catholic Church with a funeral mass to follow.
Concord Twp., Ohio – Leonard “Lenny” Steven Vaccaro Sr., a cherished family man and U.S. Army veteran, passed away peacefully at his home at the age of 95 on August 29, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Vaccaro was born on July 15, 1930, in Cleveland, Ohio, to parents Antonino and Margharita (nee: Diana) Vaccaro, both of whom have preceded him in death. Leonard’s early education took place in Cleveland, and he attended Charles Dickens Elementary, Alexander Hamilton Junior High, and John Adams High School, eventually graduating from the latter in June 1949. His dedication to education continued as he enrolled in the evening division at John Carroll University in September 1956, where he earned a Bachelor of Social Science degree by June 1961, with the unwavering support of his wife, Christine.
In October 1952, Vaccaro was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he attended Officer Candidate School, rising to the rank of 1st Lieutenant by October 1953. He served in Korea during his active duty and completed his service in June 1955.
Following his military service, Vaccaro transitioned into the corporate world, working as a programmer and systems analyst for various companies. He retired from the Lubrizol Corporation in 1996, marking the end of a successful career.
Leonard was known for his passions outside of work, particularly woodworking, which included building homes, and solving crossword puzzles. An active sports fan, he enjoyed playing golf and was a lifelong supporter of the Cleveland Indians and the Browns. He also had a soft spot for his late pets, George and Dotty.
He leaves behind his beloved wife of 71 years, Christine Marie Vaccaro (nee: Passalacqua), as well as three sons: Leonard S. (Mary Jo) Vaccaro Jr., Anthony S. Vaccaro, and Christopher P. (Ellen) Vaccaro. Vaccaro is also survived by several grandchildren, including Joseph L. (Ashleigh) Vaccaro, Steven P. Vaccaro, Christi (Andrew) Harman, Ginni Marie Vaccaro, and Samantha (Timothy) Brunkala. He cherished the company of his great-grandchildren, Oliver and Julia Harman, and Vada Christine Vaccaro.
Leonard was part of a close-knit family, which included two sisters, Angela Silvestro and Josephine (Robert) Schroeder, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins located in New Orleans, Canada, Sicily, and Italy. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Marietta (Joseph) Musso and Frances (Charles) DiSalvo, and a brother-in-law, Albert Silvestro.
Throughout his life, Leonard cherished his family, his country, and his Sicilian heritage, leaving behind a legacy of love and devotion.
Family and friends will have the opportunity to pay their respects on September 4, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Concord Twp., Ohio. A funeral mass will follow at 11:00 a.m., with interment scheduled at All Souls Cemetery in Chardon.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Scleroderma Research Foundation, the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, or Hospice of the Western Reserve. Arrangements for Leonard Vaccaro’s services have been entrusted to Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Mentor, Ohio.
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Additional Resources
- Cleveland Obituary for Leonard Vaccaro
- Wikipedia: Sicilian Heritage
- Brunner Funeral Home Obituary for Leonard Vaccaro
- Google Search: U.S. Army veterans
- Legacy Obituary Archive
- Google Scholar: Family Legacy
- Sports Illustrated High School Football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crossword Puzzles
- Google Search: Family Heritage
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