Obituary of Leonard J. Mucci, Jr.

Leonard J. Mucci Jr., of Turnersville, formerly Philadelphia, passed away on April 30th, 2024 at the age of 85.

Family

Born to the late Leonard Sr., and Elvira (nee Palermo) Mucci on July 4th, 1938 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Leonard is the beloved younger brother of the late Grace Sapinosa (2017). Growing up in Philadelphia, Leonard attended South Philadelphia High School as the graduating class of 1956. He spent five cherished years with his first wife, the late Maryann (nee Shikitino) Mucci before her untimely passing. While out to dinner one night, Leonard met the love of his life, his bride Pauline (nee Burgio) who was at the same restaurant. It was love at first sight for Leonard, the couple married on October 19th, 1968 in Philadelphia and the loving pair spent a loving 55 years together. On their wedding day, Leonard serenaded Pauline by singing "Fly me to The Moon" by Frank Sinatra, one of his favorite artists. The couple eventually moved from Philadelphia to Washington Township, NJ in 1973. Leonard and Pauline together raised four loving children, Marc, Christian, Leonard III (Dawn), and the late Karen Knoll (2019). Leonard being a traditional man, he raised his children to have the same core valuesof loyalty, family, and hard work as his own father raised him . While Leonard loved being a father, he flourished as a grandfather to Dremah (Carlos), Ava, and Leonard IV, and a great-grandfather to Solina and Alexander. Leonard loved spending time with his nieces, nephews, godchildren, and friends. On Sundays, Leonard and Pauline always hosted dinner and invited everyone over for Sunday Gravy. Leonard made the red gravy for the meal and paired it with a glass of wine without fail. While Sunday dinners were one of his favorites, Leonard and Pauline hosted all of the holidays, birthdays, and graduation parties for their family. 

Legacy

Leonard became involved with the South Philly Optimist Club that fought for funding for underprivileged youth, South Philly Boy's Club, and he even went on to sing songs of Frank Sinatra at a few local clubs. Leonard loved investing himself in events that included the people he cared about. He coached his sons in soccer, and loved attending Philadelphia Sports events, specifically his Eagles that he held season tickets with for 20 years starting with the 1960 Championship Game, and his favorite baseball team the Phillies. While the Phillies held Leonard's heart, the Boston Red Sox came a close second. One of Leonard's fondest memories was visiting Fenway Park with his son.  Leonard had a charismatic, outgoing personality. He loved spending time with his friends during their monthly Poker game. He also enjoyed traveling as much as he could where he visited The South of France, Italy, Portugal, Paris, and Mediterranean cruises. 

Leonard will be remembered fondly for his signature peppers and onions, love of chocolate, and sense of humor.

Tribute

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Leonard's visitation on Tuesday, May 7th, 2024 from 7pm - 9pm at McGuinness Funeral Home, 573 Egg Harbor Rd, Sewell NJ 08080. There will be a second visitation on Wednesday, May 8th, 2024 from 9am - 10am at the funeral home, followed by a funeral mass at 11am in Mary, Mother of Mercy Parish - Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church located at 500 Greentree Rd, Glassboro, NJ 08028. Interment will immediately follow at Ss. Peter and Paul Cemetery located at 1600 Sproul Rd, Springfield, PA 19064.