Leonard Robert Leonardo

Leonard “Lenny” Leonardo April 30, 1961 – December 20, 2025 Leonard “Lenny” Leonardo—lifelong Ithacan, Fort Myers retiree, professional instigator of fun, and the undeniable life of every party he ever walked into—passed away peacefully at his Florida home on December 20, 2025, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Born on April 30, 1961, in Ithaca, New York, Lenny lived life exactly as he pleased—boldly, loudly, and almost always surrounded by laughter. A true daredevil at heart, he loved the water, boating, motorcycles, animals, and any adventure that promised a good story afterward. He never met an experience he couldn’t turn into a lasting memory, often involving memorable antics, very little regret, and at least one story that probably shouldn’t be told without a disclaimer. Lenny graduated from Lansing High School in 1979 and maintained lifelong friendships with many of his classmates and childhood friends—proof that once you were in Lenny’s orbit, you rarely escaped. Friends were essential to his life; he collected them wherever he went and was rarely seen without an entourage—or at least someone willing to go along with the plan. Alongside his brother Joey, Lenny was a longtime proprietor of the Royal Palm Tavern (The Palms) until 2012, proudly carrying on the family legacy after their father’s retirement. The Palms wasn’t just a business—it was an extension of Lenny himself: welcoming, spirited, and legendary. Lenny was a member of The Church of the Resurrection in Fort Myers, Florida, where he found community and connection during his time in Florida. He was predeceased by his mother, Fidelia Ogden Leonardo, and his father, Joseph A. Leonardo. Lenny is lovingly remembered by his former wife and forever best friend, Trese Emm; his sister, Mary Grace Leonardo; his brothers, Joey Leonardo and John Leonardo; nieces Amanda and Laurel Leonardo; nephews Joe Rogan (Erika), Johnny Leonardo, and Max Rogan—who affectionately referred to him as “Uncle Big Nose”; great-niece Autumn Jerbeck; great-nephews Kaladin Rogan, Vasher Rogan, and Daniel Jerbeck; his beloved dog, Gracie; and many cousins, along with countless friends he considered family. Lenny lived big, loved fiercely, laughed often, and left behind stories that will be told—and retold—for years to come. The party will never quite be the same without him, but his spirit will undoubtedly live on wherever there’s water, music, good friends, and just enough trouble to make things interesting. Calling hours will be held from 4-7 pm on Friday, March 20th, 2026 at Bangs Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, March 21st, 2026 at Immaculate Conception Church. Though he passed away in Florida, Lenny will be laid to rest in the Leonardo family plot in Calvary Cemetery, Ithaca, New York—home, as it always was. The family invites donations in Lenny’s memory to Hope Hospice 9470 Health Park Circle, Fort Myers, FL 33908 or to an animal shelter of your choice.