Leonard Pecora Sr., known affectionately as “Len” or “Lenny,” left us on September 25, 2018 after living 97 wonderful years. He served our country in World War II from September 23, 1942 to March 29, 1946. He was one of America’s ‘greatest generation’ living through the Great Depression and was extremely proud to be a WWII veteran. The history that he lived through was immense.
Sgt. Pecora, who lived in St. James, served as a welder in the Army Air Corp which became the United States Air Force. He worked on the planes that flew the China Burma India Triangle, or the CBI campaign. He was stationed in India and China and rose to the rank of sergeant before being honorably discharged at the war’s end. Sgt. Pecora received the American Campaign medal, Good Conduct medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign medal and the World War II Victory medal. He once said, “I didn’t win the war but I was there… I was part of it”.
Last year Sgt. Pecora was honored by the New York Yankees standing by home plate, where his name and service record were announced during the 7th inning stretch, with the crowd singing along with Kate Smith in a heartfelt version of “God Bless America.” He was over the moon excited and rather overwhelmed as it was a once in a lifetime memory for him since he was such a huge Yankee fan.
Sgt. Pecora was loved by everyone who met him. He proudly wore his WWII hat everywhere he went and people would always stop him to thank him for his service. He was a lifelong member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, most recently Post 395, proudly participating in every VFW parade and selling poppies for the organization.
The loves of his life were his family. Leonard Sr. is predeceased by his wife Lena, father Vito, mother Antonia, sister Phyllis and brother Salvatore. Devoted father of Linda Aydinian (Steven), Laurence (Lisa), Leonard Jr. (Jacqueline), and Lorraine Bongiorno (Richard). Cherished grandfather of Laurain, Michael, Richard, Keith, Gianna, and Ava. Devoted brother of Mary (Jerry). Beloved nephews Christopher, Andrew, Matthew, Mark, Richard and Steven. Cherished by Sharlene, Ashleigh, Keith and Charlie.
Mr. Pecora’s funeral arrangements were professionally supervised while his Family was lovingly cared for during their bereavement by the Maher Family & Staff of the St. James Funeral Home. Friends may sign the online guest book at www.stjamesfuneralhome.com