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Leonard Mainiero Obituary

MAINIERO, LEONARD N. Mainiero- Leonard N. Mainiero, age 82, of the Black Rock section of Bridgeport, passed away peacefully in his home after a long battle with Alzheimer's on July 8, 2011. In addition to his being a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, he had been a proud veteran, banker, and community leader. Len's memory will be cherished by his devoted wife of sixty years Joan Hutchinson Mainiero; his five loving children, Nicholas Mainiero, and his wife, Sheila, of Madison, Robert Mainiero, and his wife, Jill, of Andover, MA, Lisa Cobb, and her husband, Paul, of Midlothian, VA; Leonard Mainiero, Jr., and his wife Madelyn, of Bridgeport, and Douglas Mainiero, and his wife Martha, of East Greenwich, RI; his thirteen grandchildren, and one great granddaughter; several cousins, nieces and nephews. Len was predeceased by his granddaughter, Megan Cobb; four sisters, Mary Palmer, Rose Gallo, Jenny Belfatto, and Lina Maniero. A lifelong resident of Bridgeport, he was the son of the late Nicola and Olympia Altieri Mainiero, Italian immigrants. He graduated from Harding High School and the University of Connecticut, where he received a Bachelor's Degree in Economics. He also graduated from the School of Financial Public Relations at Northwestern University, the Graduate School of Banking at Brown University, and the Advanced Management Program at the Harvard Business School. Len served his country as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army Corps of Engineers where he taught leadership to officers-in-training during the Korean War. Leonard had spent more than forty years with People's United Bank, and served as a Senior Executive Vice President before his retirement. During his tenure, the bank grew from a small local entity to one of the largest banks in the Northeastern United States region. He championed social issues before they were generally accepted, like the behind-the-scenes support of first woman vice president at People's Bank. He was also a strong supporter of human issues, including flexible hours and socioeconomic employment diversity throughout the bank and greater Bridgeport community. He has served on the Boards of St. Vincent Medical Center, St. Joseph's Manor, and the Inner City Foundation for Charity and Education. He was a commissioner for the Greater Bridgeport Regional Economic Development Commission, and Treasurer of the Brooklawn Country Club. Len was a founding member of the Republic Action League, a political action committee that succeeded in electing the first Republican mayor in more than forty years. He also served as President of the Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce and the Library Board of the City of Bridgeport. He was a past Chairman of the United Way and Chairman of the Board of the SBLI Life Insurance Company. He was a member of the Boards of the University of Bridgeport, Bridgeport Engineering Institute, Fletcher Thompson, Inc., Boys and Girls Club of Bridgeport, Hall Neighborhood House, Central Connecticut Coastal YMCA, and The Federal Reserve Bank, in Boston. His most treasured times were spent with his family in a small cottage on a lake in Woodstock, walking his trusted daschund, Kroner, and the moments to quietly tend to his gardens. The family would like to thank the devoted team of nurses and aids that cared so compassionately for Len and continue to care for Joan. Calling hours will be held on Monday from 4 to 8PM in the Lesko & Polke Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road, in Fairfield Center. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10AM directly in Our Lady of Assumption Church, 545 Stratfield Road, Fairfield. Interment will follow in Mountain Grove Cemetery. Contributions in memory of Len can be made to: The Megan Cobb & Jason Kern Memorial Fund, c/o: Fairfield County Community Foundation, 383 Main Street, Norwalk, CT, 06851, or online at www.fccfoundation.org. To order flowers online, travel directions, or to sign his guest register, please visit www.LeskoPolkeFuneralHome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by New Haven Register from Jul. 8 to Jul. 11, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Leonard Mainiero

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Jules H Blank

July 18, 2011

Mr. and Mrs. Mainiero were the most influential people in my life, next to my parents. He taught me numerous things that I find useful each day. They are summarized by a simple phrase: Do the right thing. He will be missed but his message lives with me constantly. Best wishes from my family to his.

Judy Smith

July 17, 2011

Mrs. Mainiero and family,
Sorry to hear about the loss of Mr. Mainiero. The picture in the paper tells it all. Always smiling and being friendly to everyone.
Lenny and the rest of the family - you all will be in our prayers.
Love, Judy Smith and Bill Macmillen

July 12, 2011

My condolences to the Mainiero family. I have many memories of Mr. Mainiero at People's Bank. He was the most thoughtful CEO that ever entered the doors of People's Bank. He treated everyone with respect and always visited all departments. I know you will miss him, but you have wonderful memories.

Kahty Wondell

July 12, 2011

so sorry to hear about Len's passing. We had many, many wonderful memories of their month of February in Florida. He was a wonderful, thoughtful person. My prayers and with Joan and her children.
Marie Panuzio, Florida

Jim Reilly

July 12, 2011

Very sorry to hear of Len's passing. We will keep him, Joan, Len Jr and family in our prayers. Jimmy from California sends his condolences. Mary Lou and Jim Reilly

Peggy RN

July 12, 2011

I was Mr Mainiero's Hospice Nurse and loved serving he and his wonderful family. I loved working so closely with his wonderful caregivers and could see the love they had for him. I have enjoyed getting to know him through all of the wonderful memories and stories told by everyone and that is exactly how he will continue to live-through our hearts, our minds and our stories! I was grateful for this this opportunity. Please accept my deepest sympathy.

July 12, 2011

Joan and family. We were sad to hear of Len's passing. Distance keeps us from being with you at this difficult time. You have been in our thoughts and the memories we share of the family picnic gatherings in Monroe Ct. Our love and sympathy to all. Cousins Don and Dorothy Hutchinson of Durham NC

Dr. Gregory M Smith

July 11, 2011

My memories of Lenny (and of Joan) were the many productive meetings he attended and contributed to at St. Joseph's Manor and Sacred Heart University. In addition, I treasure the enjoyable dinners and movies Joan, Lenny and I shared. May he rest in the peace he so justly deserves.

Patricia Deschamps

July 11, 2011

I was sorry to hear of Leonard Mainiero's passing. He was a special, warm and caring man, and a great friend to my parents. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Diane Klos

July 11, 2011

He will be missed by my whole family. My mother, sister & I have all worked for this great man. He cared about all of his employees & knew them all by name.

Eric Turner

July 11, 2011

Lenny,Sorry to hear about your dad. Good memories of when he used to give us rides to Black Rock school back in the day.

Nancy O'Neil

July 11, 2011

Mr. Mainiero was my first manager when I joined People's Savings Bank back in 1968. He was a kind and considerate boss and just a wonderful person. I will always remember him with a smile.

Monsignor Blase Gintoli

July 11, 2011

Dear Joan and Family, My heart and prayers go out to you on the passing of your dear husband and father. What a special man he was. I will remember him and all of you in my Masses and prayers. Sorry that I am not able to join in his funeral Mass since I currently live in Florida.

Billy Giannos

July 11, 2011

I grew up in the Mainero's house ,I remember Mr Mainero letting me use his ford station wagon so I could take my dog to the vet and have him put down.
He gave me a lot of good business advice .
I now live around the corner and would see him walking .
I will miss him and never forget him ,
he was a gentleman.

Deane O Kennedy

July 11, 2011

Rob,
My deepest condolences at this most painful time. The good memories of your Father will help sustain you in the coming days, weeks, months... I will keep you in my prayers and thoughts.
Peace,
Deane

Evelyn D'Aiuto

July 11, 2011

I will always remember Lenny. Such a
gentle man and a gentleman. May he rest
in peace.

Tracy Tutt-Smith

July 11, 2011

Grace and Peace, to the Maineiro family. My deepest condolences to you all. I knew Mr. Mainiero from my years at Peoples Bank. A very nice man. God bless you all and be encouraged in the days ahead.

July 11, 2011

Dear Joan and Family:
My deepest conolences to you all. Joan, we met at School Volunteers, and I always think of you. This is a very difficult time, but your good memories, and a loving family are of the greatest help. May your husband rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Phyllis Cohen(formerly Fairfield) Milford, CT

Elizabeth Quintero

July 11, 2011

May he rest in peace. I ask God to give the family comfort and strength. I asked that each remember Mr. Mainiero in their own special way. I work for People's United Bank and he would visit and always shake our hand at Christmas time. What a nice man!

July 11, 2011

In our fondest memory, Lenny was the ultimate family man.
Cousins: Bill, Ed & George Onuska

The Staff of Lesko-Polke Funeral Home

July 11, 2011

Offering our sympathies at this time.

Richard Pastor

July 11, 2011

I so agree with Ron Gibbs' comments. Len meant so much to so many people. Having reported to him for almost 20 years at People's, I know what a special person he was. Yes, tough and demanding but always with thoughtfulness and kindness. Thank you Len for having been in my life. My deepest sympathy to all his family for the loss of this GREAT man!

July 10, 2011

Joan & Family, Will always think of the
wonderful days on the Patio, at Brooklawn in the Rose Garden and at the Lake. To my best buddie.
Love to All Betsy

July 10, 2011

To all that knew him and to all he touched, Len Mainiero was a very special person. Your success was his and his willingness to share, mentor and to pass on every opportunity is unequaled. To be sure, the measure of his legacy is not just in what he did, but how he did what he did!
He wonderfully gifted to so many in our special time, season and relationship with him. Many are indebted by his generosity, thoughtfulness and kindness. And what in witness has been birthed and given, shall never pass….Len’s beauty, lesson and legacy lives on in those to whom he sowed into. All that has been given and shared is now his reward for eternity.
My deepest sympathy to the Mainiero family for your personal loss and sorrow. In this season may you be comforted by the outpouring of love, thought and prayer extended. And may the overwhelming assurance, promise and peace of our Heavenly Father be present with you all.
Ron Gibbs (ex-people’s banker)

Bob DiGennaro

July 10, 2011

Joan, my deepest sympathy to you and her family. Len was a dear friend from my past life in banking. Always sincere, humble and a great human being. He has often been in my thoughts over the years.

muriel hillson

July 10, 2011

my deepest sympathy to Joan and her family.

July 10, 2011

Many happy memories of Len & Joan. My prayers and thoughts are with the family. He was loved by all.
Marie Panuzio

lena zoghbi

July 9, 2011

len was loved by all who knew him. my sincerest condolence to his family on his loss. From an ex-people's banker.

July 9, 2011

hello joan,so sorry for your loss,you will be in my prayers, love zoraida

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