Mary J. Leonowicz

LEONOWICZ, Mary J. (Orfitelli) Mary J. (Orfitelli) Leonowicz, born July 14, 1933, resident of Largo, FL, formerly of Manchester, passed into eternal life on Oct. 12, 2008, with her loving family by her side. Mary was the daughter of the late Michael and Nancy Orfitelli, founders of Royal Ice Cream in Manchester. She was a graduate of Mt. St. Joseph Academy in West Hartford and Lawrence Memorial Hospital Nursing School in New London. She was honored to serve her community as a psychiatric nurse at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford, from which she retired after 27 years. Mary was a devoted communicant of Assumption Church in Manchester, and St. Patrick's in Largo. She served on the League of Mary, and made sojourns to Medjugorje and Jerusalem, honoring her devotion to the Blessed Mother. Mary's husband, family, and her Catholic faith were the loves of her life. She is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, John V. Leonowicz of Largo, her sisters, Rose Castelluccio of Manchester, and Ida Lane of Flagstaff, AZ; daughter, Theresa Leonowicz, of Manchester, her sons, Steven J. Leonowicz and wife Mabel of Manchester, Gary Leonowicz, Paul Leonowicz and wife Lisa of Vernon, Robert Leonowicz and wife Dorothy of Texas, and John R. Leonowicz of Largo. She leaves her grandchildren, Jeffrey, Nicole, Alan, Steven, David, Faith, Rachael, Robert, Christina; three great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Assumption Church in Manchester, on Friday, Oct. 24, at 11 a.m. followed by a burial at St. James Cemetery. The John F. Tierney Funeral Home, Manchester has care of arrangements. Memorial donations in her name may be made to Eternal Word Television Network (E.W.T.N.), 5817 Old Leeds Rd., Irondale, AL 35210.