Leo Joseph Wanda

Born on April 28, 1955, he was the son of the late Theodore Wanda, Martina (Loftus) Lamb, and his stepfather, Charles Lamb Jr., all of whom preceded him in passing. Lee grew up surrounded by family and dear friends who remained an important part of his life.

A gifted musician from a young age, Lee pursued his passion by studying music in Providence, Rhode Island. Music was a thread that stayed with him throughout his life, shaping his interests and the way he connected with others.

Lee dedicated more than forty years of his life to the Broad Brook Post Office, serving his community with quiet consistency and pride. His work there carried a deep family legacy - the very same post office where both his grandfather and his mother had served as postmasters. For Lee, it wasn't just a career; it was a continuation of something rooted in family, tradition, and service.

In his earlier years, Lee loved to play music and was an exceptionally accomplished guitar player. He was also an avid fisherman who especially enjoyed fly-fishing - "catch and release only," he would always say.

Later in life, Lee developed a deep passion for antiquing. He had an exquisite eye for identifying valuable pieces and a talent for researching their history and significance. Visiting antique shops with him was always an adventure; when he discovered something special, his enthusiasm was unmistakable and instantly shared by everyone around him.

Lee was deeply devoted to family. Blessed with an extraordinary memory for details, he could tell stories about friends and relatives for hours, painting vivid pictures filled with warmth, humor, and emotion. And above all, people remember his laugh - wonderfully sincere, long, and loud. It was absolutely contagious, the kind of laugh that filled a room and lifted everyone with it. Lee always had a joke ready for any moment, eager to lighten the mood and bring joy wherever he went.

Lee had an extraordinary ability to connect with people. When he spoke with you, he was fully present - genuinely interested in your thoughts, your feelings, and your story. He had a way of making you feel valued, understood, and appreciated, as if you were the only person in the room. Anyone who knew Lee remembers that sense of being truly seen by him, a gift he offered freely and effortlessly throughout his life.

Lee lived by a quiet but powerful principle: if you don't have anything good to say, don't say it. In all the years his family and friends knew him, they never once heard him speak unkindly about another person. He chose to see the good in people, and he carried himself with a gentleness and grace that made others feel safe, respected, and appreciated.

Lee was deeply appreciated on his mail route, where he formed lasting connections with the people he served - so much so that he kept every holiday card and gift he received, cherishing the kindness behind each gesture.

Lee also had a lifelong love for animals. In his younger years he raised horses and birds, and later in life he shared his home with his beloved dogs - Jasper, Trooper, and Brandy - and his cat, Smoky, all of whom predeceased him. He had a gentle way with animals, domestic or wild, and cared for the creatures that visited his backyard with the same quiet kindness and attentiveness he offered to the people in his life.

Private services will be held at St. Catherine's Cemetery later this spring.

The family extends a special thank-you to the nurses, chaplains, and doctors at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford for the care they provided to Lee. He deeply appreciated their kindness, compassion, and concern for his well-being.

Lee taught us all to laugh when times get tough, to remember that life is too short to hold a grudge, and that if you love someone, you should make sure they know it. He is remembered with love by his extended family and many dear friends.