Obituaries
Albert M. Leanza, 91
November 10, 1931 - September 06, 2023
Albert M. Leanza, 91, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, September 6, 2023. Al was born in Staten Island, NY, to the late Pasquale S. and Virginia T. (Ragonese) Leanza.
Al shared 58 years of marriage with his wife, Dolores A. (Mathiot) Leanza, who preceded him in death in 2018. A graduate of Lititz High School, Al pursued his bachelor’s degree at Millersville State Teachers College and his master’s degree at Temple University. He was an Army veteran and served in Alaska during the Korean War.
For 36 years, Al dedicated himself to educating generations of students as a math teacher in the School District of Lancaster. He began his career at Edward Hand Middle School and later continued teaching at J. P. McCaskey High School, retiring at the age of 62. His enthusiastic and engaging teaching style endeared him to countless students.
Al was a devoted father and grandfather. He was known for his loving, generous, and accepting nature. He cherished spending time with his family and even at 91, continued to entertain and play with his grandchildren.
Al was an avid fan of the Eagles and Dodgers. He was thrilled to witness the first Eagles Super Bowl victory in 2018. He enjoyed playing poker and pinochle with lifelong friends.
He was a faithful parishioner of St. John Neumann Catholic Church.
Al will be lovingly missed by his six children: Melissa Leanza, Maria Leanza (Shedleski), Terese L. (wife of Daniel Weinlader), Krista L. (wife of Bill Chalfant), Scott Leanza (husband of Rachel), and Tony Leanza (husband of Kristine); 17 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents and wife, Al was preceded in death by his siblings, Lou Kuske, Dorothy Logie, Edward Leanza, and Frank Leanza.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, September 22, 2023, at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 601 E. Delp Road, Lancaster, PA, with The Rev. Daniel F. X. Powell as Celebrant. Prior to the service, Al’s family will receive family and friends from 12:30 to 2 pm at the church. Private interment in St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery in Columbia, PA.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Tunnel to Towers Foundation at 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306 Tunnel to Towers Foundation
or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Albert will forever be remembered for his unwavering love and kindness that touched the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
September 22, 2023
Dear Leanza Family,
I’m so sorry for the loss of your dear father. He was such a kind man and devoted father. It was beautiful to witness his love and devotion to his family. I will always remember both Al and Delores’ generosity in welcoming me to stay in their home after the death of my mother. God Bless his soul.
Pax vobiscum,
September 21, 2023
Dear Melissa and the entire Leanza family, condolences and prayers to all. I knew much of the spirit of “Dad” from stories Melissa would tell me. He was a kind and loving man, that I know. A bit of a “character” which runs in the delightful Leanza family. With Love, Victoria Mowrer.
September 18, 2023
To the Leanza family, so sorry for the loss of your dad. Uncle Al, was a wonderful person with a very loving spirit. Take comfort in knowing he was loved as well by many. He will be greatly missed. Love, your cousin, Pegi Fulginiti
September 17, 2023
To the whole Leanza Family, I am so sorry you have lost your dad, Uncle Al. My heart hurts for you all. I know you were all so close. What a loved and loving man to you all and to so many. Reading through these comments, it is clear to see. Also, it is an absolutely beautiful announcement write-up for him. What a beloved human. I pray all those fond memories and treasures of time spent and relationship shared will not only bring you great comfort in the days and years to come, but also *joy* in the realization of what a wonderful person you got to share a wonderful portion of this life with.
With heartfelt love for you all, your cousin Julie Fulginiti
September 14, 2023
I am the oldest son of Al’s brother, Frank. In mentioning to my siblings that he has “graduated to heaven” I was bombarded with: “he was the fun uncle”. Indeed he was! He and my dad coached our little league baseball team and, when I was in the Air Force, I would visit him on leave and he would proceed to whip me at badminton. It hurts to know he isn’t here on earth anymore but I do look forward to playing baseball and badminton again with him one day. His work on earth was done. Our work carries on until that great reunion we will have again with him one day. Rest in peace “fun uncle”!
Rob Leanza
September 14, 2023
Mr. Leanza was my algebra I and algebra II teacher. I don’t know how he did it but he taught me algebra – I got A’s and B’s in his classes. I HATED math but if you are a great teacher, you can get through to anyone! I am now an paraeducator at Doe Run Elementary and I use his teachings every day! Thank you for a job well done Mr. Leanza!! My condolences to the family. He was a great educator and I am sure a great man!
Lisa Reitzel Sanders Class of ’82
September 13, 2023
I was always so fond of Albert. I was inspired by his love of family. When I was caring for my aunt Rita, it was important for him to still reach out to her. I was able to arrange a couple of phone calls for them. He will be greatly missed. Much love and sympathy to his whole family!💕
Veronica Leanza Williams
September 12, 2023
My condolences to the entire Leanza family. Mr. Leanza was my favorite math teacher at McCaskey. He was so much fun. He really enjoyed working with his students, and always helped when I was stuck with a math problem. He made rhymes out of the math problems to engage his students. One word I remember the most Mr. Leanza would say was “pafu”, and every word after that would rhyme with that word! He always brought a smile out of his students 🙂 I will never forget Mr. Leanza, and all he did to help his students. He was a great man!
Celines Guerrero Wiggins
September 12, 2023
Mr. Leanza was my Algebra teacher at Edward Hand Junior High in 1968-70. He referred to the class as “Dear hearts and gentle people.” I did use Algebra in my career and will be forever grateful for the foundation he gave me.
Anamae Bitts Leon
September 11, 2023
So sorry to hear of your father’s passing. I remember him as a good man and great neighbor. I last saw all of you at your mom’s funeral. Unfortunately we will be out of town for your dad’s. I have passed the sad news on to Dan, Tara, and Erin. I will remember him and all of you in my prayers.
Love and Peace John Sullivan
September 10, 2023
Mr. Leanza was my homeroom teacher at McCaskey. He was a great man! May his memory be eternal.
Nick Kouros
Class of 92
September 10, 2023
Dear Melissa and family, we are so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing and I know that you spent a lot of time together. My Dad knew your Dad from McCaskey and always spoke highly of him. Praying for your family and sending love as you share memories and heal. Lisa and Kennedy Fairman
September 10, 2023
Mr. Leanza was my favorite math teacher. I thoroughly enjoyed his teaching. Prayers are being sent to your family. Tina(Sulyok) Enochs
September 10, 2023
Dear Melissa, Maria, Terese, Krista, Scott and Tony,
Just checking in with my unending love for you all and reminding you that I loved your Dad as well. The online obit is so beautifully written and allows us to see the wonderful and warm soul that walked among us for all these years…our Albert! I, too, mourn this great loss with great hope and trust that he is now rejoicing with his Creator and God. May the Love and Shalom of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all as you continue on life’s journey without your precious Dad. We love you guys!
Uncle Robb, Aunt ‘Reenie’ and Wendy, Kristin, David and Josh
September 10, 2023
To the Entire Leanza Family, please accept our sincere and heartfelt condolences for your loss. May you be comforted as you remember the many years of fond memories, love and nurturing that Uncle Al provided. He will be missed!! You will be in our prayers. Cousin Dave Fulginiti & Family
September 09, 2023
Dear Melissa, Maria, Terese, Krista, Scott, Tony, and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Paula Bomberger Formica
September 09, 2023
Sending hugs and my condolences to the whole family. Mr. Leanza’s memory will forever stay in my heart. Caleb and Sarah adored their grandpa. His smile and his laughter will always be remembered. He was so kind to me. Be at peace Mr. Leanza. Your legacy will continue on. Valerie Leanza
- Visitation
- Friday, September 22, 2023
- 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
- St. John Neumann Catholic Church
- 601 East Delp Road
- Lancaster, PA 17601
- Map and Directions
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Get Maps and Directions > - Services
- Friday, September 22, 2023
- 2:00 PM
- St. John Neumann Catholic Church
- 601 East Delp Road
- Lancaster, PA 17601
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions >
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