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Leonard Petruzzelli Obituary
SOUTHBURY – Leonard Petruzzelli, 98, of Southbury, Connecticut, and formerly of Trumbull, Connecticut, died on February 1, 2025, one day short of his 99th birthday. He was surrounded by his family.
Lenny was born on February 2, 1926, in the Bronx, New York, to Margaret (Limongelli) Petruzzelli and Michael Petruzzelli. He attended Evander Childs High School in the Bronx, graduating at 16, and received his degree in engineering from City College of New York.
A member of the greatest generation, Lenny served in an essential civilian role during WWII, working countless hours for the war effort.
He spent the majority of his long career as an opto-mechanical engineer for Perkin Elmer. Some of his notable contributions to science include the design of the Saturn V Theodolite for the Apollo Program. Together with his engineering team at Perkin Elmer, he was an unsung hero of the cold war, working on many classified projects that undoubtedly assured our national security.
These contributions to science and national defense paled in comparison to the impact he made on his family, with his constant support, dedication, and love. He maintained a wonderful sense of humor and fun, and always made us laugh.
He hated the Yankees, loved the New York Giants (both baseball and football), and was an ardent Democrat and proud of it. Most of all, his favorite pastime was horses and horseracing, and he used his mathematical prowess to handicap horses.
He was predeceased by his parents, his sister, Corinne Gasparini, and his cousin, Florence Papele. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Theresa (DeLuca) Petruzzelli, his three daughters, Lisa Petruzzelli (Ben Walker), Dr. Anita Petruzzelli (Jeffrey Potvin) and Attorney Lori Petruzzelli-Touponse (Attorney Marshall Touponse), his grandson, David Gellis (Dr. Emily Ackerman, girlfriend), his cousin, Dr. William Limongelli (Yvonne), his Gasparini nephews, and his goddaughter, Felice Flannagan (Terry).
A memorial Mass will be held, Wednesday, February 5, 2025, 10:00A.M. at St. John the Evangelist Church, 574 Main Street, Watertown. Burial is private and at the convenience of the family. There are no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Leonard's name to The Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund at PDJF.org . For additional information or to leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.hickcoxfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Leonard Petruzzelli
Sponsored by Hickcox Funeral Home Inc.
2 Entries
Rod Grega
February 12, 2025
Sad to hear of Pennies passing
Michael Bednarsky
February 3, 2025
I had met the Petruzzellis-Leonard and his wonderful wife, Theresa-thanks to my mother, over 20 years ago, in Trumbull, CT, and they were always such a source of light and goodness. The most genuine people!
I used to live in Hamilton Heights, Harlem, merely steps away from the City College campus. I wish I had spoken to Lenny about this before his passing. I would have relished his stories and insight, humbled by the accomplished yet grounded man.
Terry, if you´re reading this, I am thinking of you! Thank you for being who you are.
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