Leonard Spinelli

LAGRANGEVILLE - Leonard Spinelli, 88, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on September 26, 2025.

Born on February 27, 1937, in Sammichele di Bari, Italy, he was one of three children of Domenico and Maria Spinelli. Leonard was a great American success story. In 1963 he came to the United States with his wife and children at the age of 25. The day after his arrival he had three jobs to provide for his family as he aspired towards greater endeavors. Ten years later, he opened his own rental equipment business, Taylor Rental Center and then All Rents of Poughkeepsie. Soon he had three locations operating for over 30 years. His positive entrepreneurial spirit inspired many.

Leonard was a member of the Italian Center, Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce where he contributed his time and support to the community. Leonard's passions were swimming and opera. He swam for hours in the warm Caribbean Sea of Aruba and the Adriatic Sea of his beloved country, Italy. He was an Opera aficionado and could sing the entire Il Trovatore by Giuseppe Verdi.

In 1958 in Bari, Italy, he married Nella Gasparro. They were married for 55 years while making a new life together as proud US citizens, raising three children, and building a business together.

Nella predeceased him in 2013. He was also predeceased by his son, Domenic Spinelli in 2015.

He is survived by his daughter, Maria A. Spinelli; his son, Daniel Spinelli; his daughter-in-law, Mirela Spinelli; his grandchildren, Leonardo Spinelli and Bianca Carmela Spinelli. His two grandchildren were the joy and purpose of his life until the end.

Leonard married his second love of his life, Carmela Moreno, who survives him. Carmela was devoted to her beloved husband Leonard and cared for him at home for many years with her love, tenderness, and kindness. Through Carmela, he had two stepchildren, Jairo Garay and Maria Victoria Garay, along with five step-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren. He was also predeacesed by his stepdaughter Adriana Garay.

Leonard was adored by everyone, from his longtime friends to his acquaintances with his grace, humor, and kind heart.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, from 4-7pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction, NY. The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 11 am at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Church, 1925 Route 82, LaGrangeville, NY, followed by entombment at Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Hudson Valley Hospice.