Ezio V. Leonardi

Ezio V. Leonardi, 88, of Weedsport and Auburn died unexpectedly on Thursday, March 19, 2026, after a brief illness. Ezio was born on August 28, 1937, to Salvatore and Mary (Baldini) Leonardi in Ithaca, NY.  A 1955 graduate of Weedsport High School, Ezio attended RPI in Troy, NY for two years, before transferring to Syracuse University, where he graduated with a BS in Mechanical Engineering.

Ezio grew up working with his father and brothers at Leonardi Manufacturing, the business his dad founded in 1945. Ezio started running the business full time in 1959, while also attending classes to complete his engineering degree. Leonardi’s has always been a true family business. At various times, Ezio worked with his father Salvatore, his wife Barbara, sons, Ezio Jr. and Joseph, daughters Mary and Theresa, brothers Salvatore and Robert, brother-in-law Dr. Anthony Leone Jr., nephews, Anthony Leone III, Jacques Leonardi and great nephew Matthew Leone. In addition to all the family members, Ezio would always say how very fortunate he was to have worked with so many outstanding, highly skilled, and dedicated employees. For nearly 60 years Ezio continued to run the business full time, until his son Joseph took over the company in 2015. After he no longer ran the company daily, Ezio kept working regularly, in the capacity of company treasurer and senior advisor, until he became ill, sitting at his desk, two weeks ago.

Ezio married his high school sweetheart Barbara Babiarz Leonardi on her birthday, July 1, 1961.  Ezio and Barbara met in the classrooms of Weedsport’s elementary school and would go on to spend the rest of their lives together. Family was always the center of their lives, as they spent every weekend and holiday with their extended family.

Ezio was involved with the community in a variety of ways, including as Little League coach, St. Joseph’s Church Cemetery Committee member, Old Brutus Historical Society Board Member/Finance Chair, Weedsport Village Board of Trustee and Deputy Mayor (1968-1972). In 2019 he was honored to be selected as a Weedsport Central School District Graduate of Distinction.

Ezio’s passions included supporting his children and granddaughter in any way he could, classic Italian opera, gardening, enjoying Owasco Lake and all things train/railroad related. His love of life and interest in learning about everything was a constant throughout his lifetime.

Ezio was predeceased by his parents, Salvatore and Mary Leonardi, his wife Barbara Babiarz Leonardi, daughter Mary A. Leonardi, sister Elmerina Leonardi Parkman, and many dear members of his extended family.

He is survived by his sons Ezio Leonardi Jr., Joseph (Michelle) Leonardi, daughter Theresa Leonardi, granddaughter Nina Leonardi, sister Norma Leonardi Leone, brothers Robert and Salvatore (Beatrice) Leonardi along with multiple generations of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family will receive friends at St. Joseph’s Church in Weedsport beginning at 10:00 am, on Saturday, March 28th. A funeral Mass will follow at 1:30 pm. Immediately after Mass, a luncheon will be held in the basement of the church. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Old Brutus Historical Society, P.O. Box 516, Weedsport, NY 13166, St. Joseph’s Church, c/of Our Lady of the Snow Parish, 15 Clark Street, Auburn, 13021, or the charity of your choice.

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