Leon Paul Sangunitto (1936-2024)

Husband, Father, Pop-Pop

Leon Paul Sangunitto, 88 of Brooklyn, New York died on December 2, 2024, in San Diego, California joining his beloved wife on their 63rd wedding anniversary. An amazing son, husband, father, Pop-Pop and friend, he will be missed by all who got to know him as he “just passed through” this wonderful life.

Leon Paul was born on April 14, 1936, to James and Katherine (Carlin) Sangunitto. He talked fondly of growing up in Brooklyn with his two sisters, Barbara and Loretta, his cousin Buddy and his lifelong friend, Franny. He was only 17 years old when he met the love of his life, Joan Dillon on a neighborhood stoop. The two were eventually married on December 2, 1961.

Leon proudly served in the United States Marine Corp for three years traveling the world with the 9th Marines, 3rd Marine division in Okinawa. Upon returning home he married the love of his life and joined the New York Fire Department. Like his time with the USMC, his years with the FDNY were some of his proudest. He loved serving alongside his brothers and was cited several times, including a letter from then President Nixon, for his honor and bravery in saving several lives during his 20 years of service. He had the best stories to tell of those years.

As a young husband and father, Leon bought a three-family home in Flatbush where his parents, sister and in-laws could have a place to live along with his growing family. Thanks to our parents, our home was a magical place where we grew up surrounded by family and friends. We have wonderful memories of late nights on the stoop, swimming in the pool, skating on the driveway and spending holidays and summers with our cousins.

Leon loved this country and wanted his family to see as much of it as possible. For 10 years he drove his wife and five children back and forth across the country in his customized pop-up tent trailer stopping at every national park, two-headed snake, haunted house or giant ball of yarn while listening to the same 4 or 5 8-track tapes we owned over and over. And over.

In 1980 Leon retired from the FDNY and moved his wife and 5 children to Salt Lake City. He worked several years as a carpenter for the city before he and Joan made one more move in 1986 to his beloved San Diego. He worked as a carpenter for Terra Industries before starting his own contractor business, Lee’s Carpentry & Remodeling. He loved remodeling homes for friends and family and working side by side with his son Jim. Leon was an active member of the FDNY Retirees of California proudly participating every year in the largest west coast 9/11 Memorial Service aboard the USS Midway. His home in San Diego was his pride and joy and, for over 30 years, the place of so many family gatherings and wonderful memories. Family gatherings that always ended with Leon “kindly” telling everyone it was time to go home and that he “loved to see us and he loved to see us go.”

Leon was predeceased by his wife, Joan, his parents, his sister Loretta, his in-laws, Michael and Josephine Dillon and many beloved family members and friends.

He is survived by his five children, Sharon Schuh, (Tim), Janice, James (Connie), Thomas (Elvira) and Joan McKeon (Jason), his bonus daughter Kim, his 7 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, his sister Barbara Sangunitto McMahon, many nieces and nephews and so many friends and extended family members who loved him so much.

It is not easy trying to portray what an amazing man our father was. He really did live each day like it was a holiday; one of his favorite songs. Family meant everything to him and his love and time were given unconditionally. You only had to meet him once to be considered family and be called “sweetie”. He had a wicked sense of humor and sarcasm was definitely his love language. Dad was a personal hero to most of his family and many of the people who met him. The memories of the wonderful life and adventures he gave us and the love he and mom shared provide us all so much comfort at this time.

Leon Paul Sangunitto will be laid to rest at Miramar National Cemetery on January 15, 2025, next to his beloved Joan. Friends and family are invited to stop by Hooleys Irish Pub & Grill in La Mesa between 4 -7 to raise a gin and tonic in his honor.

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