Leonard M. Luciano Jr.

Leonard M Luciano Jr. (Junior, Lenny, Mr. Lou), a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather, Phys. Ed. Teacher, Juniors Pizzeria and Delicatessen owner from Livingston, where his pizza was voted best in Livingston by LHS students on numerous occasions, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at the age of 87.

Born on January 6, 1939, in Orange, NJ, to Leonard and Antoinette (DeLane) Luciano, he was number 11 of 12 children who grew up on a suburban farm area in Livingston. Junior often told stories of his memories eating fresh vegetables from the family garden, picking and eating from fruit trees and enjoying both fresh cow and goat’s milk as a kid. Hunting was a way of life.

Lenny was a member of the first graduating class of Livingston High School, 1957, where he excelled as a standout football star. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Western State College in Gunnison, Colorado, and Master of Education from Montclair State University in Montclair, New Jersey. Lenny was a proud Newark Public School Teacher for 39 years. His career was devoted to educating elementary and middle school Physical Education and Health students.

While teaching in Newark in 1975 he met “the love of his life” Sally (Parsons), and they were married in the chapel at Seton Hall University, where Sally was a proud graduate. He’d tell stories about The Luciano Family of Livingston, growing up with his mama, papa, siblings, and many nieces and nephews. Junior cherished his family, carrying photos of them along with him in his wallet even up to the present day, and sharing with neighbors, friends and everyone he met about their accomplishments.

Junior was a sharp man. He always dressed to impress. He enjoyed conversation with anyone he met or spoke with over the phone. He loved listening to music of his era, and his hobby was cooking and often looked forward to heading out for dinner with Sally. Every Easter, as a tradition, he made homemade pizza gain in abundance that he’d distribute to neighbors and friends.

Junior adored his granddaughter, Angelina Maiella Luciano (Gelina). His love and joy for her shaped exactly who Junior was as a parent, grandparent, teacher, and role model. His love was always genuine for children, and nothing put more of a smile on his face than spending time with her. He could be heard saying “Angelina is our little angel sent from heaven”.

Junior was predeceased by his parents; his siblings, Nicolina Luciano, Lucille Hoermann, Salvatore Luciano, Beatrice Salemme, Dolores Freeman, Theresa Castelli, Patricia O’Brien, Gloria Szumaski, Anna Mykietyn, Anthony Luciano and Janet Senft.

He is survived by his wife, Sally Parsons Luciano; his children, James Myers (Jackie Jorge Myers), Leonard M Luciano III (Erika Eden), Lauren Luciano. He also leaves behind brother-in-law, Timothy Parsons (Geraldine Parsons) and sister-in-law, Mary Lou Parsons, as well as countless nieces, nephews and cousins.

Lenny/Junior/Mr. Lou will be remembered for his devotion, dedication, and beauty inside and out, a common trait of Luciano family members, unwavering love for his wife, and the countless students he shaped through teaching and working in Newark public schools.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 4th, from 3:00PM–8:00PM at Quinn Hopping Funeral Home, 145 E. Mt. Pleasant Avenue, Livingston, NJ. A Funeral Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated on Friday, June 5th, at 11:30AM at St. Raphael’s Church, 346 E. Mount Pleasant Ave, Livingston, NJ, with a Burial to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be sent to the West Essex First Aid 642 Bloomfield Avenue West Caldwell, NJ 07006.