Leonard N. Custode, 86, our hero and idol, departed us on Saturday October 12, 2013 at Niagara Hospice House in Lockport, NY. Born in Niagara Falls, Ontario, he was the son of the late Joseph and Julia (Fusco) Custode, and later he was raised by loving stepmother Mary (Paonessa) Custode.

Leonard moved with his father to Niagara Falls, NY and attended local schools. He graduated from Niagara Falls High School in January of 1945, and then served in the United States Army from August 13, 1945, serving in occupied Germany, until his honorable discharge on January 16, 1947. He later attended Rutger's University and obtained a degree in photography. On July 8, 1952 he met the love of his life, Antoinette Bruccoleri, and married on September 8, 1954. Leonard began working in the furnace room at TAM Ceramics in Niagara Falls, and retired in 1989 as superintendent of maintenance after 39 years of service. He spent most of his retirement enjoying the time with his loving wife. He also enjoyed golfing with his "golf buddies" and made delicious homemade wine.

In addition to his wife of fifty-nine years, Antoinette, he is survived by three children, Karen (Joe) Costanzo of Lewiston, NY, Kathy (Glenn) Polka of Youngstown, NY, and Joseph (Karen) Custode of Temecula, CA; six grandchildren of Sara (Chris) Schiro Costanzo, Cassie (Erik) Poppenberg Costanzo, Jason Polka, Stephanie Polka, Jena (Matthew) Love Custode, and Joseph Custode; and four great-grandchildren, Vincent, Fiona, Ryan, and Leonard. He was predeceased by his sister, Rose Gunzelmann, and a brother, Lewis Custode,

Visitation will be Wednesday from 3 – 8 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY RD. NIAGARA FALLS, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday October 17th at 10:00 AM at St. Vincent de Paul Parish at Prince of Peace Church, 1055 N. Military Rd. Niagara Falls, NY with Rev. Robert Hughson, officiating. EVERYONE PLEASE ASSEMBLE AT CHURCH. Entombment with military honors in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Dr. Lockport, NY 14094.