Joseph Leopardi

LEOPARDI Joseph Leopardi, age 86, of Stratford, passed away on Thursday, March 10, 2011 in his home. Born in Bridgeport on August 31, 1924, he was a son of the late Michael and Lena Calca Leopardi. He lived in Stratford most of his life with his beloved wife of 65 years, Catherine Clark Leopardi. During World War II Mr. Leopardi enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 17 and served with the amphibious group on LCVP attached to LST. He participated in the African campaign and was first wave in both the Sicily and Salerno campaigns as well as the Anzio and Normandy campaigns. A Second Class Petty Officer, he was awarded the American and European Theatre Ribbons with 5 stars. He joined the VFW Post No. 145 in 1945. Mr. Leopardi worked as a machinist for Sikorsky Aircraft for 35 years until retiring in 1986. In addition to his wife, Catherine, survivors include his loving children, Joyce Huculak and her husband Peter of Hamden, Joseph Leopardi, Jr. and his wife Antoinette of Ansonia, and John Leopardi and his wife Saryay of East Haven, five cherished grandchildren, Angela DeLucia and her husband Frank of Hamden, Joseph and Michael Leopardi of Ansonia, Emily Leopardi and Davann of East Haven. He is also survived by one brother, Vincent Leopardi of Bridgeport, and two sisters, Rosalie Solemene of Stratford and Nancy Mooney of Bridgeport, as well as many nieces and nephews. Mr. Leopardi was predeceased by his brother, Anthony Leopardi, and two sisters, Theresa Vecchio and Florence Nesshoever. Private family funeral and interment services were conducted March 14, 2011 at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Trumbull. Arrangements by the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull. To light a virtual candle, visit us at www.abriola.com.