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Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home - Stamford

2900 Summer Street

Stamford, Connecticut

Leonard Vignola Obituary

Vignola, Leonard
Leonard Abbott Vignola, Jr., 82 years of age, died on Epiphany January 6, 2013 at Stamford Hospital of respiratory failure. He is survived by his most beloved wife, Barbara Mitchell, of 20 years and seven wonderful children from his first marriage to Dorothea: Mark, Eric, Chad, Cort, Noelle, Adam, and Dawn Vignola; and twelve grandchildren: Deanna, Nikolas, Cara, Kelsi, Sarah, Scott, Eric, Eva, Nia, Connor, Will, and Samarra. Leonard made Stamford his home and a life's investment 52 years ago, having arrived from Chicago, Illinois. A graduate of Northwestern University and Case Western Reserve with an MBA, he was the founding partner of Beacon Partners, Inc. for the past 36 years. Leonard had an extensive history in the small business and Connecticut political community. Former Board of Finance member and Chairman for two years, mayoral candidate for Stamford in 1987 and 1989, Vice President of the Stamford Economic Development Commission, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the City Transit District, Chairman of the Board for the City Small Business Center, board of directors Stamford Historical Society, founding director of the Stamford Partnership, member of SACIA Chamber of Commerce, member of the Board of Directors of the VNA, member of the Jaycees, president of Venture Group, member of the Board of Directors of the New England Lyric Operetta, advisor of the Ethel Kweskin Theater, chairman of the Board of Directors Connecticut Ballet. Author of Productivity and City Economic Development and Strategic Divestment, he specialized throughout his career in financial restructuring, refinance, and strategic repositioning. More than these fine business and civic accomplishments, he was a beloved father, husband, colleague, and fiercely loyal friend and confidant to many in the Stamford community. Known for his rapier wit, quick mind, easy laugh, and straight from the hip, no nonsense approach to just about any topic, he was deeply loved and will be sorely missed.
A memorial gathering will be held on January 9, 2013 at the Connecticut Ballet, 20 Acosta St., Stamford, CT 06902 from 7:00PM until 9:00PM. In lieu of flowers or cards, please send donations to the Connecticut Ballet at the address listed above. To leave on line condolences, please visit www.leopgallagherstamford.com

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

Published by Stamford Advocate on Jan. 8, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Leonard Vignola

25 Entries

Bob Donaldson

February 1, 2014

It hardly seems possible that it has been a year since Leonard's passing. He has been greatly missed by me and others.

Leonard and I started working together in 1989. We formed a DSV Partners the folioing year including Leonard (V), George Seiler (S) and me (D). We worked on a number of very interesting t consulting projects together over a number of years. Leonard always brought an insightful point of view in addition to creativity and humor to our work.

Leonard was a very devoted supporter of the Venture Association of New Jersey which he helped me found.

He was a loyal friend and supporter and I miss him greatly.

January 22, 2013

I was so saddened to learn of Len's passing today. I shall always remember him as a wonderful mentor from our work on the board of CTE, and a passionate supporter of so many wonderful initiatives and organizations. I shall think of him often with great appreciation for all that he has done, and all that I learned from him. My deep condolences to you, Barbara, and to all of his children and grandchildren. I am very sorry for your loss.

Polly O'Brien Morrow

January 14, 2013

Dear Barbara,

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Steve Terenzio

Nancy Malarkey (Bono)

January 10, 2013

Mr. Vignola left his mark in his support of Connecticut Girl Scouts. We will always remember him fondly. My thoughts are with you, his family, at this difficult time.

January 10, 2013

Dear Barbara, The Memorial Service for Len last nite was heartfelt and truly inspiring. It was wonderful to see so many friends and family there. I thought it was a beautiful loving tribute that his children paid you and I loved the story about how you met.
Hoot see you soon.
Arlene Hall

Lou and Bob Callahan

January 10, 2013

Barbara and family. Our deepest condolences on your loss. Our friendship with Len goes back almost 50 years. Len will be deeply missed. Rest in peace my friend.

Jennifer Smith Turner

January 10, 2013

Dear Barbara,

I was deeply saddened to hear about your loss. Len was a delightful person who was always full of interesting stories and fun ideas. I so enjoyed the times that the three of us visited over lunch or coffee. He brought a unique and important perspective to the Girl Scout board as a board member, and I relied on his support and counsel. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Warmly,

Roy Carbino

January 9, 2013

To Adam and family, So sorry to here of your loss. It's never easy but we share these things in common. Please know there are many who grieve alongside you. And that one day we will all be together again. With deepest regards, Roy Carbino

Laura & Terrence Martin

January 9, 2013

Dear Barbara,

Our deepest sympathies to you and Len's children and grandchildren. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

January 9, 2013

Eric and Barbara,

Our deepest condolences and sympathy to you both and your family at this most disfficult of times. May your loving memories of your Dad/husband warm your hearts now and always.

Parisi Family

Patty Meagher

January 9, 2013

Len was a loyal colleague, mentor, and friend. He touched so many lives and institutions in our community and probably helped 'Reinvent Stamford' several times over the course of his life. I had the pleasure of working with Len both at AIF, and on the founding of the Stamford Innovation Center. His leadership, guidance and support were instrumental in helping this vision become a reality. I will miss our weekly calls, and his tremendous loyalty to the causes and people that he cared about. We have lost a pillar of the Stamford community. My condolences to Barbara, and all of Len's beloved children and grandchildren. He always talked about each of you with such devotion and pride...

Susan Mazzucco

January 9, 2013

Dear Eric, after reading your father's obit, it's clear to see that you, your family and the whole Stamford community has lost an incredible man. I am so sorry for your loss.

January 9, 2013

Len was a man of the utmost integrity and honesty. He gave himself freely and willingly to help make Stamford a better place. The Stamford community, and I, have lost a good friend. My deep sympathies to Barbara and to the whole Vignola clan.
Marie Hawe (Stamford, CT)

Lester Freundlich

January 9, 2013

If Len had been mayor of Stamford, Stamford would have been a far better place today.

January 8, 2013

Dear Eric, Claudia, Connor and family- Our sincerest condolences for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. May loving memories bring you peace, comfort and strength at this difficult time and always. Targett Family, Moraga California

Cynthia & Chris Robbins

January 8, 2013

Many heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the Vignola family during this difficult time. Eric- we are thinking of you and your family and send our deepest condolences to all.

January 8, 2013

Barbara, you have my prayers and caring. I feel fortunate that I had a chance to meet you and Leonard at one of Bob's parties. Virdell

JoAnne Sibilio

January 8, 2013

He was a wonderful father and grandfather and I am grateful to have known this special person, his caring wife and children. He will be forever in my thoughts.

Jeanne Hendrickson

January 8, 2013

Barbara - Prayers to you and Len's extended family of children and grandchildren. Len was a special person who forever gave of himself to so many within the Stamford community. He will be fondly remembered for his devotion to the arts, most especially Connecticut Ballet.

Tom Heide

January 8, 2013

Barbara & Family: First met Len back in the mid 80's when I hired him as a consultant and from that time forward he was a trusted business adviser and lifetime personal friend. He was always there for you no matter what and cared deeply about his family, friends and life's work. It was my pleasure to have known him and his legacy will endure. My sincerest condolences to you, the kids and grand-kids. Tom Heide

Deborah Davenport-Wressell

January 8, 2013

Len was smart and funny. He was always alert to finding possible connections, ways that one person he knew might help another person he knew. His was one of the first hands of friendship extended when I moved to Stamford in 1990. Stamford, and all of us, are diminished by his passing.

January 8, 2013

To Barbara and all the Vignolas:

Leonard was a good partner, advisor and friend. He will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences to all of you.

Bob Donaldson

Anne Marie Russo

January 8, 2013

Barbara and Family - My deepest sympathy for your loss. Len was a terrific man and I'm glad I had the pleasure of meeting him.

Jeanne Tyler

January 8, 2013

my prayers and sympathy go out to each of you.

Douglas Twele

January 8, 2013

Len was always a pleasure to work with and a sincere gentleman. May God be with him.

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