Salvatore Leonardi

Salvatore Leonardi, 92, of Hazlet, New Jersey, a loving and kind man whose gentle spirit touched everyone who knew him, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by the love of his family on May 9, 2026. 

Born on May 8, 1934, in Aidone, Enna Italy.

The beloved son of the late Giovanni Battista and Liboria (Giustra) Leonardi. In 1954, he immigrated to Brooklyn, New York, carrying with him the values of hard work, family, and faith that would guide him throughout his life. He then returned to Italy to marry the love of his life, Filippina Rizzo, on April 21, 1960. 

Together they built a beautiful life and raised their family of 5 boys in Brooklyn before making their home in Hazlet, New Jersey.  

Salvatore was a dedicated retired machine operator who spent the majority of his working life with Holy Cross Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York. He approached his work with pride, responsibility, and quiet devotion, earning the respect of all who knew him. His strong work ethic and steady presence were hallmarks of the life he lived, and he carried those same qualities into his home and family life. He was a man who led by example, showing through his actions what it meant to be dependable, caring, and faithful.

A Christian man, Salvatore and his wife attended Saint Benedict Roman Catholic Church in Holmdel, New Jersey, where their faith remained an important part of their lives. He found joy in simple pleasures and treasured the time he spent with family and friends. He loved Manhattan Beach and Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn where he spent time enjoying the shore and crabbing. He got much happiness out of barbequing for family and friends.   He was also an avid gardener who took great pride in growing fruits and vegetables. Above all else, he cherished being surrounded by the people closest to his heart, and his happiest moments were often the ones shared in the company of family.

Salvatore will be remembered for his warmth, his kindness, and his gentle nature. He was the kind of man who never went mad, and his calm, loving presence brought comfort to those around him. Sal leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

He was predeceased by his beloved parents, Giovanni Battista and Liboria (Giustra) Leonardi, and his brothers-in-law, Paul Nicastro and Joe Ortiz. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Filippina (Rizzo) Leonardi; his caring sons, John and his wife Donna of Albrightsville, Pennsylvania, Vincent and his wife Regina of Daytona Beach, Florida, Salvatore and his wife Julia of Holmdel, New Jersey, Valentino and his wife Michelle of Monroe, New Jersey, and Larry and his wife Daniella of Hazlet, New Jersey; his kind siblings, Marie Nicastro, Lorenzo Leonardi and his wife Esther and Gina Ortiz, his cherished grandchildren, Felicia, John Jr, Salvatore III, Valentino Jr, Lorenzo Jr, Isabella, Andrea, and Angelina; and his adoring great-grandchildren, Gianna, Enzo, and Salvatore IV.  He is also survived by his in-laws, Concetta Alaimo and family, Margherita Giustra and Family, Lorenzo Rizzo and Family, Giovanni Rizzo and Family, Italia Di Gregorio and Family and  many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will forever hold him close in their hearts.

Salvatore Leonardi’s life was a blessing to his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be greatly missed, always loved and never forgotten.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Tuesday, May 12th, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM and on Wednesday, May 13th, 2026, from 8:30 AM to 9:15 AM at Shore Point Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., 3269 State Highway/Route 35 North, Hazlet, New Jersey   07730.  A Mass of Chrisitan Burial will be offered at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, May 13th, 2026, at Saint Benedict Roman Catholic Church, 165 Bethany Road, Holmdel, New Jersey   07733.  Entombment will follow at Holmdel Cemetery/Mausoleum, 900 Holmdel Road, Holmdel, New Jersey   07733.  For more information, directions or to send condolences to the family, please visit www.shorepointfh.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Salvatore Leonardi, please visit our floral store.