Leonard R DeStefano

Leonard R. DeStefano, known to his many friends and family as Lenny, passed away on December 17, 2025 in Deland, FL surrounded by his wife of 45 years, Nancy, and his two sons, John and James. He was born July 12, 1951 in Bronx, NY to Flora and Ralph DeStefano. After graduating from Salesian High School in New Rochelle, NY, he attended Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, NY. He proudly worked as a law enforcement officer for Suffolk County, NY until his early retirement.
He relocated to the Daytona Beach area where he met and married his wife, Nancy, in 1980. As a father of two boys, Lenny became active in many youth sports activities, including coaching both his sons in basketball and baseball. He was also active in the Daytona Beach Quarterback Club, and more recently, the Deland Quarterback Club. He was a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees and the Dallas Cowboys, as well as an avid fan of the Florida Gators and Stetson University athletics.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy, of Deland, his son John and wife Danielle, and grandchildren Taylor and J.J. of Lake Mary, FL and his son James of Jacksonville, FL. He is also survived by his brothers Gerald, and wife Ellen, of Alpharetta, GA and Ralph of Jacksonville, FL. In addition, he leaves behind his brother-in-law, Tom Riechman and wife Mary, of Makanda, IL; nephews Joe Wagner, and wife Lisa of Centralia, IL; Jesse Riechman of Makanda, IL; and Eric DeStefano of Atlanta, GA, as well as many extended family members and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Stetson University Baseball Field, 555 S. Woodland Ave. Deland, FL on Sun. Jan. 4, 2025 at 1:00pm.
The family requests that anyone wishing to make a donation in his honor that it be given to the Stetson Baseball program.