Sam, J. Leonardo

Sam J. Leonardo, 81, of Janivar Dr., passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 01, 2015 with his loving family at his side. He was born in Ithaca son of the late Frank and Josephine Cipriano Leonardo.

Sam had been an Insurance Agent with Prudential Insurance and had been active in the local restaurant and hospitality industry. He had also been very active in many local civic organizations over many years. He was a long time member of the Immaculate Conception Church, a life member of the Ithaca Elks #636 and served with the United States Air Force during the Korean War. Sam had been a battler all of his life and had undergone heart transplant surgery nearly twenty years ago.

Sam is survived by his wife of 60 years, Betty Benedict Leonardo; his sons, Frank (Belinda) Leonardo and Dan (Lisa) Leonardo; his grandchildren Lisa, Nicole, Erica, Danny, Emily and Lyndsey and his great grandchildren, Darynn, Troy, Mia, Giovannino, Cesare and Mayson. He is also survived by his sister, Josie Schug and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and in laws. In addition to his parents, Sam was also predeceased by his step mother, Mary Beranek Leonardo and his brother, Alfred Leonardo.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Jeffrey Tunnicliff on Thursday, March 05, 2015 at 10 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church. Friends may call on Wednesday, March 04, 2015 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Bangs Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations in Sam's memory may be made to the Immaculate Conception School, 320 W. Buffalo St., Ithaca, NY 14850.