Leonard Giannone, DDS

Leonard was born July 21, 1931, in Springfield to Leonardo and Grace (Zummo) Giannone. After graduating from Lanphier High School, he joined the United States Air Force, serving from 1950 to 1954 at Lockbourne Air Force Base in Ohio and in Japan. Following his military service, he attended Springfield College in Illinois and Washington University in St. Louis. He then attended the University of Illinois College of Dentistry, graduating in 1960.

Following dental school, Leonard returned to Springfield, where he practiced family dentistry for nearly 40 years. Throughout his dental career, he was active in the Illinois State Dental Society, holding numerous committee positions and serving as president in 1983-1984. His other professional memberships included the G.V. Black Dental Society, American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, University of Illinois Dental Alumni Association, American College of Dentists, and International College of Dentists.

Leonard’s community involvement in Springfield was extensive and included service as a trustee of Springfield College in Illinois, an advisory role with the dental assistant program at Lincoln Land Community College and many years on the board of directors of the Villa Vianney Retirement Center (now the Villas Senior Care Community) in Sherman. He held many leadership positions in the Roman Cultural Society beginning in 1965 and was president when the organization donated the fountain outside the Springfield Municipal Building.

One of his proudest achievements was the founding of the annual Mostaccioli Dinner at Griffin High School. Leonard was head cook for 20 years and his caricature as a smiling, apron-clad chef has become the event’s unofficial logo.

Leonard was an avid fan of Fighting Illini football and basketball. His extensive football tailgating setup was legendary to the large circle of family and friends who joined him for pre- and post-game festivities on the lawn of Memorial Stadium from the 1970s through the 1990s.

He married LuAnn Romans on Oct. 6, 1995, and she survives him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Francesco (Frank), Vincenzo (Vince) and Simone (Sam); sister Mary Reed and former wife Helen Garman.

In addition to his wife LuAnn, he is survived by his son, Dr. Leonard (wife, Karen) Giannone of Springfield; daughters, Linda Elliott of Alton, Laura (husband, Matt) Dietrich of Springfield, and Ashleigh (husband, Cory) Bloom of Clermont, FL; grandchildren, Leonard M. (wife, Haley) Giannone, Anna Marie (husband Matt) Lee, Nicholas (wife, Brianne), Benjamin, Sofia, and Theodore Dietrich, Aiden and Cameron Bloom; and four great grandchildren, Nora and Leo Giannone and Oliver and Caleb Lee. Also surviving are sisters-in-law, Jeannette Giannone and Theresa Kraus; and brother-in-law, Robert Reed, all of Springfield.

Memorial Gathering and Funeral Mass: Family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. on Friday, November 12, 2021, at Christ the King Catholic Church,1930 Barberry Dr., Springfield. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Msgr. David S. Lantz, celebrant. Illinois COVID-19 guidance will be followed, requiring face coverings.

Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Christ the King Catholic Church, 1930 Barberry Dr., Springfield, IL 62704.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield.