Leon J. Manole

son of Josephine and Frank Manole. Leon was born April 1st, 1930 and was raised in Brooklyn NY. At age 17 he met the love of his life Theresa Gioia whom he married on Oct. 14, 1950. In 1959 he moved to Hillsdale NJ where he raised his family.

Leon attended the Fashion Institute of Technology and had a long career in the manufacturing of women's formal wear. Leon loved music, dancing, history, travel and gardening. In his youth he had the honor of playing classical guitar at Carnegie Hall.

Leon was the recipient of the Four Chaplains Legion of Honor Humanitarian Award, which is awarded to one outstanding US citizen a year in recognition of a lifetime commitment to selfless service for societal advancement to improve the quality of life in the community and state. Leon was a longtime community volunteer with a variety of organizations including the Knights of Columbus, Meals on Wheels, Respect life, Boy Scouts of America, Hillsdale Senior van, Hillsdale 50+ club and Saint John the Baptist school and church.

Survived by his loving wife Theresa of 63 years and his sister Babe Aramini. Devoted father of Frank Manole and wife Debbie, Leon Manole and wife Susan, Dr. Michael Manole and wife Deirdre, Joann Manole-Celentano and husband Michael. Grandchildren; Frank Manole and wife Gisele, Steven, Denise, Cheryl and Sean. Great Grandchildren; Charles Leo and Elise.

Funeral Liturgy at Church of St. John the Baptist, Hillsdale, NJ on Monday at 10 AM. Interment, Maryrest Cemetery, Mahwah, NJ. The family will receive their friends at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, NJ on Sunday, 2-4 and 7-9PM.