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Leonard Contillo Obituary
Leonard was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a long time New York Yankees and UConn basketball fan. He was born in Johnston, R.I., and moved to New London when his father opened Professional Pharmacy.
Leonard attended New London High School and then obtained a Bachelor's degree in chemistry from the University of New Haven. While attending college, he was employed as a draftsman at Millstone. After obtaining his chemistry degree, he then became employed at Pfizer Inc. until his retirement in 2005 as a Principal Scientist. While working at Pfizer, he set up the first DNA and peptide synthesis laboratories and has several patents in his name. He also played for the Pfizer softball leagues for many years.
Leonard leaves behind his wife, Monika Contillo, of nearly 55 years; his daughter Michele Lemieux (and husband Wayne Nogler) of Uncasville; and his son Leonard G. Contillo III (and wife Karla) of San Diego, Calif. He also leaves behind his younger brothers, David (and wife Carol), Alan (and wife Maureen), Paul (and wife Jane), and Mark Contillo. His brother John Contillo predeceased him. He also leaves behind his younger sisters, Paula Ranelli, Karen (and Michael) McBride, and Mary Mattson.
He is lovingly remembered by his granddaughters, Sarah Ouellette, Kristen Lemieux (and husband Omar Elhadhoudi), and Alessia Contillo. He also leaves behind six great-grandchildren whom he adored.
The family will receive relatives and friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, June 9, at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 12 Ocean Avenue, New London. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 10, at St. Mary Church, 10 Huntington St., New London. Interment will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, Jefferson Ave., New London.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the family may be shared at www.neilanfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Leonard Contillo
Sponsored by Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home - New London.
Larisa (Feliciano) Gromyko
June 7, 2023
Lenny, and his wife, Monica, were in my wedding party in 1967. That is how they met, and the rest is history. They both have a special place in my heart. My husband, Don Feliciano, and Lenny both attended Thames Valley Technical Institute. My parents were best friends with Monica's parents. Lenny, Monica, Don and I shared many fun times, including christenings, parties, etc. My husband, Don, predeceases Lenny by 7 years. I told Monica recently that now they are both in heaven, sharing the lives we had on earth. My regret now is that we didn't get together more often in the later years. Lenny -- sleep peacefully; you are in my nightly prayers. Larisa Feliciano Gromyko
Judy Vlcek
June 6, 2023
Paul & Family
So sorry to learn of the passing of your brother Leonard.
Thoughts & Prayers are with you all . Keep his memories with you always!
God bless to all!
Wally Stone
June 6, 2023
I knew Lenny from Pfizer and hanging out with him after he retired. Enjoyed talking baseball with him ( Go Yankees ) and having fun with him at several local watering holes. May Gods healing hands wrap around Monika and his entire family!
Love, Wally and Megan Stone
Donna Bienkowski-Smith
June 6, 2023
Paul, Mark and all of the Contillo family, I am so sorry for your loss. You are all on my heart and in my prayers.
Tina Gracie
June 6, 2023
Monica, Lenny, Michelle & family,
My thoughts & prayers are with you all. So sorry for your loss.
Al & Maureen
June 6, 2023
Len, you were a fantastic brother to us over the years. We love you!! Rest in peace till we meet again!
Al&Maureen
Louise Tyszkiewicz
June 6, 2023
Dear Monika and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in your time of sorrows. Leonard was a great neighbor and friend, and will be missed by all who knew him.
Judy Clark
June 6, 2023
So sorry for your tremendous loss. Len was a special man, and favorite of mine. I will miss him. He rests. Prayers to comfort you at this difficult time. Judy Clark, Smilow Lab
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Memorial Events
for Leonard Contillo
Jun
9
Visitation
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home - New London12 Ocean Avenue, New London, CT 06320
Funeral services provided by:
Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home - New London12 Ocean Avenue, New London, CT 06320
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