Vito Charles Leanza

We mourn the loss of a special friend, father and husband, Vito Leanza. He was born February 4, 1934 in Brooklyn, New York to Charles and Lena Leanza. He was a true New Yorker attending St. Michael’s Catholic School in Brooklyn and Pace College in Manhattan. In 1956 he joined the United States Army and was stationed in Fort Benning, GA. The move to Georgia was made permanent in 1965 when he went to work for Lockheed Aircraft in Marietta. Being able to speak Italian, he was sent by the company to Italy for several months as an interpreter for the production of a wing part. While working there he also went to college at night and finished his college education, graduating from Georgia State University. In 1973 Vito went to work for the State of Georgia. He became a Systems Manager in the Computer Division of the Department of Administrative Services. He enjoyed his job and the people he worked with. Vito retired from the State in 1999. He joined the Marietta Georgia Sons of Italy (OSIA) in 1994 and always said it was one of the best things he ever did and some of the happiest years of his lifetime. He served as an officer and participated in many joyous activities. He became close to members of the Lodge and considered them his lifetime best friends. After retiring, he and his wife Toni, traveled and “cruised” a lot, often with OSIA friends. They loved being with their friends, the ships and the food. Vito was a sportsman! He enjoyed poker and often visited the casinos with Toni and friends. He was a “Number One” fan of the Braves and the Falcons, always loyal to the home teams, the same loyalty he gave to friends. He played golf with members of the Lodge on most Mondays and Thursday, but one of his great joys was “IHOPPING” for breakfast with “the boys” after golf on Mondays. Vito is survived by his wife of 31 years, Toni Buchanan Leanza of Canton, son, Victor Leanza of Woodstock, daughters, Jeanann Leanza and Veronica Williams of Alpharetta, step-children, Kelley Windsor of Canton and Kyle Christopher of Panama City Beach, FL, and sister Rita Leanza of Brooklyn, NY. He had seven grandchildren, Berri Windsor of Savannah, Ben Markland, who is serving in the United States Army, deployed in Afghanistan, Savannah and McKinnon Williams of Alpharetta, Tyler Scoggins of Acworth, Bryson Christopher of Panama City Beach, FL and Amanda Windsor of Canton. A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, August 4, 2012 at 1:00 pm At Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Woodstock, Father Larry Niese officiating. The family will receive friends Friday, August 3, 2012 from 6 pm until 8 pm at the funeral home. The interment will be Monday, August 6, 2012 at 1:00 pm at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton. Online condolences may be offered at www.woodstockfuneralhome.com. Woodstock Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 770-926-3107