Obituary of Leonard J. Antonacci

Leonard "Lenny" Antonacci, 91, passed away peacefully on Wednesday July 3rd, 2019 with his daughters at his bedside. He will be remembered for his fun-loving personality, his rapturous storytelling, and his uncanny luck at Atlantic City's slot machines—a knack that earned him the nickname "Lucky Lenny." Born in Stigliano, Italy in 1927, Lenny emigrated to America in 1933 alongside his parents and older sister Grace. He served three years in the United States Navy before settling down to start a family with his beloved wife, the late Teresa DeLasho; their three girls—Janet, Lynne, and Teresa—were forever the apples of his eye. For over fifty years he made his career as the co-owner of Yonkers' famed DeLasho Bakery, though his long and healthy life is best defined by his love for his daughters and grandchildren, of whom he was unyieldingly proud. He found joy in hunting and fishing trips, tending to his garden, and regaling family with tales of his many journeys. Lenny's was a rare spirit of giving: whether it was the fleet of candy-colored VW Bugs he provided his daughters in their teens or the countless hours he spent visiting with family, friends, and neighbors—listening, talking, and just being there—there was always more than enough Lenny to go around. He is survived by his sister Grace Natuzzi, his brother Antone Antonacci, his daughters Janet Antonacci, Lynne Neiman, and Teresa Valentine, his son-in-law Peter Neiman, his six grandchildren, and his crazy-eyed pup Marley. He is predeceased by his wife Teresa and his brother Joseph Antonacci. Friends and family are encouraged to attend services at Sinatra Memorial Home in Yonkers on Monday July 8th from 4:00PM - 8:00PM. Mass will be held the following day, Tuesday July 9th, at St. John the Baptist Church in Yonkers, beginning at 11:00AM. In lieu of flowers, Lenny's family respectfully requests donations be made to the BrightFocus Foundation for Macular Degeneration Research (http://www.support.brightfocus.org).