Leonell E. Riendeau

Mr. Leonell E. Riendeau, age 70, of Utica, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, March 22, 2008 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center. At the time of his passing, his loving family was by his side. Born in Mechanicsville, Connecticut on October 19, 1937, Leonell was the son of the late Leonell and Evelyn (Bavigon) Riendeau. He was raised and educated in Putnam, Connecticut, and he was a veteran of the U. S. Air Force. Leonell had been married to Barbara Ann McCarthy who passed away in 1988. He was blessed with a second union when he married the former Patricia (Ruggiero) Samarco on February 5, 2000; they were a loving and devoted couple who did everything together. Leonell was employed by the Sedco Systems Co. of New York for many years where he worked in the circuit board department until the company’s closure. A very religious, understanding, and loving individual, Leonell was easy to talk to as a friend and confidante ready to help solve any problem. He enjoyed playing bridge and he was a member of the Fisherman’s Club. He was a parishioner of the Bartlett Baptist Church. Leonell is survived by his wife, Patricia; his daughter and son-in-law, Sally and Pat McCabe of New Hartford; and his son and daughter-in-law, Leonell “Buddy” and Beth Riendeau of NH. He cherished the memory of his son, Charles Riendeau, who preceded him in death. He also leaves his step-daughter, Anita Louise Samarco of Utica; his foster children, Joe & Rachael Lestingi, Christopher Lestingi, Elaine & Tommy Schlie, and Eddie & Beth Lestingi; many grandchildren; his brother and sister-in-law, Pete and Pat Riendeau of TX; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; his brother-in-law, Louis Ruggiero of Deerfield; and his friend, Bob Wolfe. He was predeceased by his sisters, Mary Choquette, and Shirley Gauthier; his brothers, Sherman Riendeau, and Jack Riendeau; and his in-laws, Estelle Ruggiero, and Marie Couturier. The family is grateful to the nurses and staff of the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center and the Emergency Room for their efforts in caring for Leonell and the empathy extended to his family. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 4:00-6:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in Leonell’s honor to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Leonell’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Wednesday evening at 6:00 at the funeral home immediately upon conclusion of visitation with Rev. Dr. Charles Thomas Hast, Pastor officiating. Interment will take place on Friday at 1:00 p.m. at Long Island National Cemetery for Veterans with full Military Honors.

Leonell E. Riendeau

October 19, 1937 - March 22, 2008