It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Leandro D’Addario, Coxheath on May 22, 2022. Born in San Salvo Italy, he was the youngest son of Giuseppe and Giuseppina D’Addario. He immigrated to Canada with his family in 1952 at the age of 16. Leandro was hard- working and very resourceful, never letting obstacles get in his way. In the early years he had many jobs such as construction, landscaping, and masonry, just to name a few. On May 25, 1957, he married Adriana Malatesta also of San Salvo Italy and they built a life together for almost 65 years.
In 1962 Leandro opened the first pizza shop in Cape Breton on Charlotte St. In the late 60’s he later opened Roma Pizzeria and Restaurant on Grand Lake Rd., which was known by it’s patrons as simply “The Roma”. The business grew to include a dining room and lounge with live entertainment and was well known in the area. He and Adriana ran The Roma for many years.
In his later years, Leandro was a member of the Knights of Columbus, a member of the men’s club at the former St. Anthony Daniel Parish as well as Our Lady of Fatima. He was a member of the Cape Breton Italian Cultural Association, former Italian Consulate for Cape Breton and Italian Canadian Congress, and most recently a member of the Kiwanis Club. He was active in the church as a eucharistic minister and would often bring communion to various senior centers. He delivered meals for the Meals on Wheels program and enjoyed meeting people and giving back to the community.
Leandro was a kind-hearted man. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather and loved spending time with his family, especially his great grandchildren which loving called him “Nonno Papi”. He will be dearly missed by everyone.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Adriana, son, Frank D’Addario, Coxheath, daughters Pina (Charles) Ross, Sydney River, and Giovanna (Ted) Ferrazano, Maryland along with granddaughters Leah Ross, (Mark) Winnipeg, and Carla Ross, (Michael) Sydney River, great grandchildren Isabella, Jacob, Kaius and Benjamin. He is also survived by a sister, Lucia D’Addario and niece Lina Mleczko, both of Glace Bay as well as numerous nieces, nephews, Godchildren, and extended family in the US and Italy.
He was preceded by his parents Giuseppe and Giuseppina D’Addario and brother Francesco.
He passed away peacefully at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital with his son and daughter by his side.
The family would like to express thanks to all the doctors and especially the caregivers of Cape Breton County Homemakers for all of their help and support, as well as the VON nurses. You are all truly amazing.
In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of your choice.
A wake will be held on Monday May 30th from 6-9 PM at TW Curry Parkview Chapel, 755 George St., with a funeral Mass at 11 AM, Tuesday May 31sth at Our Lady of Fatima Parish, 1452 Kings Rd. Sydney, River. Masks are recommended. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks, for the family. For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed via TW Curry’s Facebook page.
