Leonard T. Baiera

Leonard T. Baiera, affectionately known as ""Boomer,"" 75, of the Meadows Apartments, Dallas, and formerly of Pittston, passed away Sunday, Aug. 25, 2013, after a brief illness, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born April 16, 1938, in Pittston to the late Rose Falzone Grasavage and the late Samuel J. Baiera. Leonard was a graduate of Pittston High School, class of 1955.

Although Lenny was retired, he worked for the Royal Bake Shop, Exeter. Prior to retirement, Lenny was employed as a master craftsman in the garment industry at Leslie Fay until its closing.

Boom Boom was a standout football player for Pittston High School. He earned his nickname because of his exceptional talent in the position of running back.

Leo was a history buff, never forgetting any detail and always willing to share his knowledge in his daily conversations with friends and family.

Anyone knowing Boomer can attest to what an amazing sports enthusiast he was. First and foremost, Lenny loved football, especially Penn State football. His love of baseball, fishing and the competitiveness of horse racing surrounded Lenny with a rich circle of friends.

Leonard was a man of great faith and trust in God. He was a loyal friend to many and had a wonderful sense of humor, generating much laughter in any conversation. Leo's greatest love in life was his family. His unique spirit will live forever in the hearts of those who knew him.

The family extends their sincerest thanks to the doctors and nursing teams of Wilkes-Barre General Hospital intensive care unit and Kindred Hospital for their kindness, compassion and expertise during this most difficult time. The family expresses their gratitude to the pastoral team of the Parish Community of St. John the Evangelist for their prayers and spiritual guidance.

Lenny was preceded in death by his parents, Rose and Samuel; his stepfather whom he loved, Peter Grasavage; his grandparents, Mario and Theresa Falzone and Leonardo and Leonarda Baiera, all of Pittston.

Lenny is survived by loving daughters, Joan A. Shuga and her husband, Dave, Trucksville, and Lisa M. Musto and her husband, Jimmy, Port Griffith; grandchildren, Julie and Jimmy Musto; sister, Rosemary Burbich and her husband, John, Perkiomenville; niece, Kristina L. Burbich, Philadelphia; nephew, Bradley A. Burbich, Hermosa Beach, Calif.; his former spouse, Joan A. Baiera, Pittston; loyal friend, Susan Donio, Forty Fort; several aunts and cousins; and countless friends.

Funeral services have been entrusted to Graziano Funeral Home Inc., Pittston Township.

Viewing hours will be held at the funeral home from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday. Funeral services will begin at the funeral home at 10 a.m. Friday. Those attending should arrive at the funeral home by 9:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. in St. John The Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, Pittston.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Care and Concern Ministries of the Parish Community of St. John the Evangelist, 35 William St., Pittston, PA 18640.

To express condolences to Lenny's family or for directions to the funeral home, please visit www.grazianofuneralhome.com.