Donate in Memory of Richard R. Leandri
Obituary: Richard R. Leandri
Published the Sentinel Source, October 24, 2016
Richard R. Leandri, 57, of Francestown died peacefully at his home on Oct. 20, 2016.
Rick was diagnosed with ALS in November 2013. Although he experienced a slow, steady decline of body function, his courageous spirit endured until his final day.
Rick was born in Kingston, Pa., on June 4, 1959, the son of Rudolph Leandri and Jean (Blassic) Leandri. He was raised in Luzerne, Pa., and attended Bishop O’Reilly High School. He received his associate’s degree in fashion merchandising from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City (generally referred to as his clothes college, by his wife). He received his Bachelor of Science in marketing from Bloomsburg University and went on to earn his MBA from Rivier University in 1990.
Rick’s first job out of college was with Lord and Taylor on Fifth Avenue in New York. He then left the city and relocated to New Hampshire to take a sales position for a major plumbing manufacturer. He met his wife, Vicki, in 1984. They purchased their first home in Francestown the following year. They fell in love with the town and never left.
Rick spent six years working as a financial consultant for Shearson, Lehman Brothers, and Tucker Anthony. He eventually transitioned from brokerage to IT software project management where he spent the next 16 years with Fidelity Investments and a few smaller companies. He was credentialed in project management as a PMP and Scrum master.
Rick was well known for his humor and quick wit. He was an avid runner for over 35 years, and completed 2 marathons and several half marathons. Rick enjoyed reading and sports, but his greatest passion was music. He had an extensive collection of vinyl records and vintage electronics (some have used the word hoarder). He loved to shop for deals, especially at yard sales, Goodwill and Ocean State Job Lot.
Rick was active in the local community. He served on the board of the Old Meeting House, volunteered at the annual Labor Day Road Race, was a Cub Scout leader and coached youth sports.
Rick relished his time with family and friends. He especially enjoyed his family vacation in the Rocky Mountains during the summer of 2013.
Rick is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Vicki (Biekert) Leandri and his three children, Paul Leandri of New London, Cameron Leandri of Boston and Stephanie Leandri of Montreal, Quebec; his mother, Jean Leandri of Luzerne, Pa.; his brother, Bill Leandri and his wife, Chris; his sister, Norma Leandri and her husband, Tom, of Dallas, Pa.; his sister, Elena Leandri of Forty Fort, Pa., and her partner, Jerome Crilley; his brother Daniel Leandri and his wife, Kathy, of Mechanicsburg, Pa., and his brother David and his wife, Susa,n of Downingtown, Pa.
In addition, he is survived by his nieces and nephews, Holly and husband, Eric, Mandy and partner, Grant, Samantha and husband, Tom, Ali, Josh and wife, Sam, Jacob and wife, Jennie, Jesse, Alex, Melissa, James, Nathan and Benjamin.
He was pre-deceased by his father, Rudy Leandri, and his sister Linda Leandri.
Rick is also leaving behind Vicki’s family. Rick was truly a son to her parents, brother to her siblings and very special uncle to each of his 13 nieces and nephews on the Biekert side.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, Oct. 27, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Jellison Funeral Home, 25 Concord St., Peterborough.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 29, at 11 a.m. at the Francestown Meeting House, 1 New Boston Road, Francestown. Pastor Beth Simmons will officiate.
In addition, a mass of remembrance will be held at the Holy Family Roman Catholic Church in Luzerne, Pa., on Saturday, Nov. 19, at 10 a.m. following a visitation hour which starts at 9.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in Rick’s name to: Compassionate Care ALS, P.O. Box 1052, West Falmouth, MA 02574 (www.ccals.org).
Jellison Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements. To view an online obituary or to leave the family a condolence, visit www.jellisonfuneralhome.com.
