Obituary of Florence V. Leonbruno

Florence "Filomena" Vaccaro Leonbruno, 87, of Rome, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, March 13, 2020 at Rome Memorial Hospital Health Care Facility. She was born in Rome, NY, on August 2, 1932, daughter of the late Paul and Elizabeth La Gatta Vaccaro. Florence graduated from Rome Free Academy. She shared a beautiful marriage with her loving husband of 63 years, Paul Leonbruno, whom she married on September 26, 1953, in St. John the Baptist Church. He passed away June 19, 2017. Florence and Paul are now reunited in the Kingdom of Heaven. In addition to being a dedicated wife and mother, Florence worked at Rome Strip Steel, Revere Manufacturing and owned her own business where she worked as a hairdresser. She enjoyed playing Bocce, working on puzzles, playing bunco, trips to the casino, bowling, attending functions at the Eastwood Senior Center, and attending weekly Mass services at St. John the Baptist Church. Most of all, Florence cherished the time she spent with her family. She attended countless athletic events, award ceremonies and graduations in support of her grandchildren. Florence was the matriarch of the family who will continue to be a symbol of strength and love for others. Florence's legacy will continue through her two devoted daughters and sons-in-law; Ann Marie and John Benevento, Syracuse, Maria and Joel Middleby, Rome, seven grandchildren and their spouses; Justin Benevento, John and Kristen Benevento, Elizabeth and Mark Keida, Paul Middleby, Briana and Derek Carman, Shane Middleby, and Paola Benevento, nine great grand-children; Mason, Spencer and Adilene Carman, Paolo, Georgio, Zelie and Luciano Benevento, Olivia and Natalie Keida. Also surviving are two sisters-in-law; Hilda Vaccaro and Josephine Twyman, a brother-in-law; John Leonbruno and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Florence was predeceased by her husband, Paul, a sister and brother-in-law, Catherine and James Pugliese, and three brothers and two sisters-in-law; John and Sue Vaccaro, Paul and Rose Vaccaro and Raymond Vaccaro. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, at 11:00 a.m., at St. John the Baptist Church, with the Rev. Abe Esper officiating. Friends may call at the Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home, Inc., 7751 Merrick Rd., on Monday, March 16, 2020 from 4-7 p.m. Burial will be in St. John the Baptist Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Florence's name to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude PL, Memphis, TN 38105-9959 To offer online condolences, please visit www.njbushfuneralhome.com