Leonard Michael Lombardi

Leonard M. Lombardi, 88, of Newark, Delaware passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home on December 19, 2025. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on December 4, 1937, he was the son of the late Michael and Carmela (Conicella) Lombardi.

Len was a graduate of West Catholic High School in 1955 and served honorably in the U.S. Army for six years before earning his Bachelor's degree from LaSalle College in 1965. After graduation he joined the Peace Corps on a three-year assignment teaching mathematics in schools in the province of Aklan, Philippines. During his time there, Len was inspired to establish a project for children needing surgery for cleft lip and palate, raising enough funds to help twenty children travel to Manila with their parents to complete their surgeries.

Len returned to the U.S. in 1968 and began a career in social work. Soon thereafter he reunited with and married the love of his life, Mildred, after she moved to the U.S. from the Philippines to work as a nurse. Len and family moved to Delaware in 1972 where he worked as a counselor in the State of Delaware Department of Corrections for 25 years.

Len loved spending time with his family, especially his grandkids. He also enjoyed classical music and listening to the music of Mario Lanza, Luciano Pavarotti and Carlos Ibay along with his wife's singing and compositions. Len was a man of faith and a deep thinker. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and had a devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. He also loved the Philadelphia Eagles, cars, and in his younger days participated in his favorite hobbies of weightlifting, skydiving and road rallies.

Len is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 56 years, Mildred Lombardi; sister Anita D'Orazio; children Joseph Lombardi (Michele) and Rosanna Chomo (Matthew); grandchildren Maria and Raphael Lombardi, Braeden, Makayla and Dylan Chomo. He is also survived by many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and other family members.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30am on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at Holy Family Church, 15 Gender Road, Newark, DE 19713, where family and friends are invited to visit from 10:30am – 11:15am. Interment will be held in All Saints Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Len to Alliance of the Holy Family International, P.O. Box 1179, Hanceville, Alabama 35077.