Leonard F. Porcaro

Leonard F. Porcaro, 92, husband of Anita (Tooley) Porcaro of Schenectady, NY, passed away peacefully on August 31 after a courageous battle with lung cancer and COPD. Born on February 1, 1932 in Albany, he was the son of the late Leonard and Mary (Durso) Porcaro.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Anita, his daughter Kathleen Burke (Michael Sr.), son James Porcaro (Holli), and daughter Christine Porcaro. He is also survived by his brother John Porcaro and his sister-in-law Patricia Porcaro, eight grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter Mary, his brothers Vincent Porcaro and Frank Porcaro (Patricia), and his sisters Caroline Porcaro, Virginia McCarthy (Edward), and Marie Padula (Louis). He had a large family with many nieces and nephews. He was a loyal friend and never met a stranger.

Leonard lived a life of service to his family, his country, and God. He never turned down a request to help family and friends. He was always helping with projects for others, much to the chagrin of my mother whose projects never seemed to get done! He took on a leadership role within his family and was the first one to receive a call when there was a problem.

Leonard proudly served in the Korean War as a member of the United States Army and was stationed in Germany as a radio operator. He never forgot the Morse code! His commitment to service and his love for his fellow veterans was evident throughout his life, earning him recognition at several veteran events. He had the honor of singing the National Anthem at the American Legion national conventions, and at every local Veteran and Memorial Day service, a testament to his love for music and his outgoing personality. He was Commander of the Post 1005 and County Commander for many years until his death. He secured lifetime memberships for the remaining members. He attended every member funeral service to honor their service. His commitment went as far as shoveling snow off the roof of the Post 1005 during the worst snow storms.

Leonard was proud of his Italian heritage. He had a deep love for Italian music, often leading his family in song at the many dinners held in their home, a place of warmth and joy, filled with laughter of family and friends. He was a supporter of the local Octavo singers and attended their annual fundraising dinners, and family and friends were the lucky recipients of the tickets he would purchase for them. He would break out in song at restaurants, much to our embarrassment, but oh how we would love to be embarrassed again!

Leonard’s passions extended to gardening, scuba diving, golfing, ice-skating, softball, bowling, deep- sea fishing and cooking. He loved to cook Italian dishes and learned French cooking from his time working on the weekends at Chez Rene restaurant in Delmar. He collected recipes and menus from all over. He enjoyed camping at Sacandaga Lake and then later, family vacations at Wildwood, New Jersey. He loved the ocean and the beach. He found joy in life’s simple pleasures and shared that joy with everyone he met.

A man of strong Christian faith, Leonard has gone to be with the Lord, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to God.

Relatives and friends are invited to call at Liberty Church, 1840 Albany Street, Schenectady, NY 12304 on Sept. 11 from 10- 11 am and a celebration of his life at 11 am. Interment will follow in Saints Cyril & Method Cemetery, 611 Duanesburg Rd. Schenectady, NY 12306. Instead of flowers, donations may be made to Liberty Church earmarked to the mission fund which was near and dear to Leonard’s heart.

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