Leonardo Vannelli

Leonardo Vannelli passed away peacefully on 8 August 2023, in White Plains Hospital, New York. He was 90.

Leonardo was born on 5 April 1933 in Ripabottoni, Italy, to Carmine and Assunta (Parente) Vannelli. He married Josephine (Cappuccilli) in 1955.  After the birth of his first two daughters Assunta and Angela, he and his wife moved their family to America. They arrived first to Mount Vernon, New York, and lived with Josephine’s parents and then bought a house and settled in Pelham, New York, where their third daughter, Carmela, was born.

Leonardo had a long and dedicated career as a carpenter, taking up the same trade as his father, working for many years with Crafted Cabinets. He was a proud member of his carpenter’s union. He was known for his crisp precision, which he brought to the cabinets he built for his family’s home and to the shrubs lining the yard.   

After retiring in 1995, Leonardo dedicated much of his time to his family and local community. He was a beloved grandfather, picking his grandkids up from school and keeping them busy with activities when they got home. He shared with his grandchildren his creativity, teaching them about carpentry, wine making and gardening.

He was a cherished member of his community in the Village of Pelham, active with the Pelham Senior Center, known to many as ‘Lenny’. He proudly sang God Bless America at the start of the meetings and followed it with requests of Italian Neapolitan songs.

Leonardo was passionate about music and dancing. He loved to sing along to Neapolitan classics by artists like Sergio Bruni and Nicola di Bari.  At weddings and parties, Leonardo could often be found on the dance floor with his wife. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Josephine; his three daughters, Assunta, Angela and Carmela (Peter Reichl); his three grandchildren, Adam, Carli and Yasmina, and his sister, Maria.

Friends are invited to join the family for visitation from 4:00PM – 8:00PM at Pelham Funeral Home located at 64 Lincoln Avenue, Pelham NY on Thursday, August 10th. A mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Catharine's Church located at 25 Second Avenue, Pelham NY at 10:00AM on Friday, August 11, 2023. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. For more information, please visit https://www.pelhamfuneral.com