Dr. Leonard P. Muscarella

Dr. Leonard P. Muscarella, DDS of Victor, New York, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2024. He is predeceased by his parents, Leonard L and Virginia Muscarella. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Regina O'Loughlin, children Michael and Melanie Muscarella, Carolyn and Leah Muscarella, grandchildren Cara, Emily, Emersyn and Emilia, and missed by his constant companions, Betty the pug and Miss Yvonne the chihuahua.
Lennie was born in Batavia on March 17, 1949 and grew up in Caledonia, surrounded by a large Italian family. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from St. Bonaventure University in 1971, and his Doctorate in Dental Surgery from the University at Buffalo in 1975. Upon graduation, he served as a lieutenant in the the United States Navy Dental Corps at the Naval Air Station in Norfolk, Virginia.
In 1977, Dr. Muscarella set up his dental practice in Farmington, NY, constructing his office building with his own hands. 1484 Rochester Road became a hub of compassionate family dental care in Western New York. He and his staff became a family, treating generations of patients, many of whom traveled hundreds of miles for his special care. When the need was acute, Doc could be called on to treat patients in their living rooms, their backyards and their soccer games. Lennie's restorative work was created with the skill of a sculptor and recognized by his peers as the creme de la creme.
While many knew Doc, others knew Lennie, the artist. Lennie was the winner of the Norman Rockwell Scholarship for Art all four years of high school, offering a full-ride scholarship for art. He continued to create life-like portraits in pencil, pen and ink, and oils on canvas well into his seventies. Lennie's work followed the lead of the Flemish masters, depicting the lives of everyday people he encountered. His work garnered countless awards, numerous Best In Shows and can be seen gracing the walls of Rooney's Restaurant in Rochester and Shakespeare In Delaware Park, Buffalo. He was a proud member of the Rochester Art Club, the Toronto Arts and Letters Club and the Salmagundi Club in New York City.
Lennie shared his talents with Victor Central School, designing, creating and painting sets for musicals. He loved theater and its magic. He was unofficially known as Industrial Cardboard and Magic. He would work well into the night creating Bali Hai, a full working shower, constructing exploding clocks, wiring remote-controlled birds, and so much more. His train in "Fiddler on the Roof" even received a round of applause as it steamed onto the stage. He loved working with the students, and seeing their eyes light up as the sets came to life. Anything you could dream up, he could make it come to life. Besides creating beautiful sets for Victor Central Schools, he also was the Halloween costume king creating costumes for his kids and grandkids that were the envy of the town. He created a full Japanese Samurai, he built the T.A.R.D.I.S, and so much more.
A master of sleight of hand, Lennie could captivate anyone within reach with slight-of-hand magic that he learned from Magicians Eddie Fechter and Bill Okal. He would make cards disappear, coins appear out of nowhere, and objects float in ways that defy logic. He often performed at the Forks Hotel in Cheektowaga, a hub of close-up magic in the east, The Magic Castle in Hollywood, California, or around the table in his kitchen. This was by far his favorite venue, where he and Regina would welcome friends and strangers alike. The kitchen was his home until his last days.
Lennie was larger than life. He could light up the room with his smile. He was the kindest person and showed the true meaning of empathy. Generosity came naturally to Lennie, whether in time given to patients at any hour, in scholarships for aspiring med students, or in a kind smile at the right time. He took pleasure in the finer things and cultivated a refined palate and sophisticated, cultured taste. Doc spent his life refining that pallet in all things: food, theater, art, music, travel and experiences. He regularly suggested with wonder to his family and friends; "Take a minute and look around. Look at where we are!" Lennie set lofty goals and achieved many of them. He improved the Muscarella brand and his legacy lives on in the stories he told, the relationships he built and canvas he displays.
A Celebration of Dr. Lennie Muscarella (Doc) will be held at Miller Funeral Home, 301 W. Main Street, Victor NY on from 5p – 7p.
In lieu of flowers, please remember Lennie with a donation to