Leonard J. Carsillo

Leonard J. (Len, Lenny) Carsillo, 70, of Cape May, NJ, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2026, at Southern Ocean Medical Center. His family and friends supported him through his brief illness.

Len was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on June 20, 1955, to Lenin and Rose Carsillo (Penza). He moved to Wildwood Crest with his family as a young child, which began his love of all things salty. Len attended Wildwood Catholic High School and was a member of Assumption RC Church. An early love of photography, inspired by his father, led him to obtain a degree from the Art Institute of Atlanta. He spoke fondly of those years spent with fellow photographers and with his sister Angela, also a graduate of the Art Institute.

Len's talent and passion for photography set him on a career path that lasted a lifetime. He was the owner and operator of many photo studios, including Photos by Leonardo in the Villas, NJ, and Young Masters Studios in Boonton, NJ. Len also worked in Manhattan, Morristown, NJ, and Wilkes-Barre, PA. Len's work allowed him to help preserve the memories of countless families and individuals on land, sea, and even air.

Len moved to Sugar Notch, Pennsylvania, where he started a family. As a devoted father, Len immersed himself in all sports, school, church, and community activities that involved his children and family, sharing his expertise and many skills and documenting it all with his camera.

Returning to the Wildwoods, Len continued to use his creativity for weddings, theatre, events, and more. His tireless work with the Cape May Jazz Festival made him numerous dear friends and countless memories. Len's work with Special Vacations ranked among his proudest accomplishments.

He found great joy in working as a Museum Curator for the NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum, working alongside the same Boeing N2S-3 Stearman Kadet his father worked on in his time as a naval mechanic.

Len's personal work is vast and cherished. His favorite collections were "The Solitary Gull" series of shots of lone seagulls throughout the beaches of South Jersey and the magnificent sunsets of Sunset Lake.

Len spent his later years alongside his most cherished friends and companions in his favorite place on earth, Cape May, NJ. He enjoyed going to his hot spot, Higbee's Beach, tooling around town on his e-bike, and greeting all with his signature salutation: "HEY NOW!"

Most of all, Len loved with all his heart his family. He passed his love of music to his son Drew, an innovative musician and sound engineer. His love of cooking and entertaining, inspired by his mother "Gramma Rose," was passed on to his daughter Nola, the family chef and hostess with the mostest. Len was first mate to his friend and son-in-law Winston Chit aboard the boat, with Captain Jax always at his side. Finally, his furry friends "The Tweedles" will forever search for their treats and his generous hugs.

The greatest event of all came at the final stages of Len's full life: the birth of his first grandchild, Winston Balin Chit. "Winnie" will have a lifetime of images and stories to keep his GrandBop's memory alive.

Len was preceded in death by his parents, Lenin and Rose Carsillo.
He is survived by his son, Drew, of Los Angeles, CA; daughter, Nola, and husband Winston Chit; and grandson, Winston Jr., of Little Egg Harbor Township, NJ; and sister, Angela Carsillo, of Cape May, NJ.

Len will be missed by his cousins, nieces, nephews, and in-laws, as well as his former wife, Ellen Malone. He will be most especially missed by his lifelong buddies and his cherished friends, to whom he was a loyal and true friend—and they to him.

Len had always expressed his deepest respect and gratitude to Shriners Hospital in Philadelphia. His history of treatment with them extends throughout his experience as a childhood amputee and formed his incredible attitude toward his own mobility. He never let anything limit his abilities and was able to overcome much adversity with strength and determination.

Because of this commitment and dedication, in lieu of flowers, any donations are asked to be made to Shriners Hospital in Len's name.

A Celebration of Life ceremony will be announced later. Please contact Nola (267-788-7667) to be updated on services. You may leave a contact number where you can be reached.