Leonardo Gilardi Obituary
Leonardo "Lenny" Gilardi, 82, of Gloucester, MA passed away peacefully on August 27, 2026, following an extended illness. He was born in Cambridge, MA, to the late Michael and Angelina (Graffeo) Gilardi and spent most of his life in Gloucester, a community he loved deeply.
Lenny attended St. Ann's School before graduating from Gloucester High School in 1961. Following high school, he served in the United States Army during the Vietnam Conflict.
Following in his father's footsteps, Lenny began his career in Gloucester's commercial fishing industry aboard the family F/V Annie. Over the years, he worked aboard several other local vessels including F/V St. Peter III, F/V Vincie N., F/V St. Jude, and F/V Cara Lyn. After his years at sea, Lenny worked "ashore" with the U.S. Postal Service in Gloucester, until his retirement.
A proud and dedicated member and past president of the Madonna del Soccorso Society of Boston's North End, Lenny cherished his connection to his Sicilian heritage. He frequently traveled with the society and made many memorable trips to visit family in Sciacca, Sicily. He was also a longtime member of American Legion Post 3.
A lifelong history enthusiast, Lenny possessed an extraordinary knowledge of Gloucester's fishing industry and its fleet, from schooners to draggers, spanning more than a century. He especially enjoyed sharing the stories and history of Gloucester's working waterfront. From his home in Lanes Cove to walks along the Boulevard, Lenny remained deeply connected to the community he loved. The Friday morning coffee social at Cape Ann Veterans' Services on Emerson Avenue was a favorite tradition, giving Lenny the opportunity to catch up with fellow veterans and friends.
He is survived by his brothers and sisters, Anthony Gilardi and his wife Cynthia, of Danvers, Ann Johnson and her husband Martin, Sal and his wife Carole, Michael and his wife Sharon, Annette Knight and her husband Laurence, all of Gloucester, and David and his wife Linda, of Cornellius N.C.; nieces and nephews, Kevin Johnson and his wife Tara, of Gloucester, Lea Diamond, of Scottsdale, Arizona, Adrianne Sweet and her husband Stephen, of Gloucester, and Anthony Gilardi and his wife Krystina, of Danvers; great-nieces and nephews Kathryn, Godson Andrew, Aden, Arie, Clara, Kali, Gloria, Evelina, and Antonella, his dear friend Linda Vanalstine, of Amesbury, and many close cousins and friends.
Visiting hours for Leonardo will be held at St. Ann's Church, 74 Pleasant Street, Gloucester, MA on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, from 9:30-11:30 a.m., followed by his funeral Mass at 11:30 a.m. Burial to follow at Seaside Cemetery in Lanesville. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made "In Memory of Leonardo Gilardi" to the Madonna del Soccorso Society, P.O. Box 130076, Hanover St. Station, Boston, MA 02113.
