John was born on October 19, 1939, in the Bronx, NY, to John and Anna De Leonardis (Sette). After several moves, the family settled in Floral Park, Long Island. John graduated from Sewanhaka High School in 1957 and continued his education at SUNY Maritime College in the Bronx, graduating in 1961. After graduating, he sailed as a Merchant Marine for several years and then applied to Officer Candidate School in the U.S. Coast Guard. In 1964 he married Grace Shoule and they moved to Mobile, Alabama and then to several other costal bases. He retired after 28 years of active duty.
He is survived by his wife, Grace, with whom they shared 59 years of marriage. He was always proud of his four children, Elizabeth De Leonardis, John De Leonardis (Kristin Terrio), Jennifer De Leonardis (William Smock), and Kristy Moreschi (Vincent Moreschi). He also said goodbye to his nine grandchildren and one great grandson. John had three siblings: Edward, Lucille O'Keefe and Dennis. His absence will leave an empty space in the lives of his many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Viewing and Visitation will take place Wednesday, December 27, 2023 from 4-6 PM at Nickerson Funeral Home, 87 Crowell Rd. Chatham, MA. A Funeral Mass in John's honor will be held at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, on Rt. 137, South Chatham, MA on Thursday, December 28, 2023 at 10 AM. Military honors presented by the Coast Guard will occur directly after the conclusion of Mass.
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