Leonard Ipri

LEONARD IPRIAGE: 89 SEASIDE HEIGHTSLeonard Ipri, 89, of Seaside Heights, passed away Wednesday, Feb 3, 2010, at Community Medical Center, Toms River. Leonard was born in Philadelphia in 1920. He moved with his family to Seaside Heights at the age of 8, where he attended Seaside Heights Elementary School and Toms River High School. He graduated from Rider College majoring in business and accounting. Leonard actively served in the Coast Guard during World War II from 1942 to 1946 aboard the USS Joseph T. Dickman, an amphibious transport, most notably involved in the landing at Normandy and the invasion of Okinawa. He was discharged in 1946 as a disabled veteran and married Gerry Farnsworth, who he met while both were serving their country. They spent their remaining years in Seaside Heights, where they built and operated the Sweet Shoppe on the Boulevard until 1953. Leonard was an employee of the Seaside Heights Public Works Department from 1946 to 1992. He began in the electric department, and was appointed to Public Works Coordinator in 1962. In 1965, he was promoted to Public Works Superintendent, and he retired in 1992. Leonard was devoted to virtually every facet of the civic affairs of Seaside Heights and its neighboring communities. He was an active member and officer in his beloved Seaside Heights Volunteer Fire Company for over 50 years, serving as chief for six years. Leonard was also a member of the Ocean County Chief's Association. He designed and constructed the firehouse museum, his pride and legacy, for the citizens of Seaside Heights to enjoy. Leonard served in many charitable and social organizations, including the Surf Building and Loan Association as president, the Ocean County Civil Service Organization, a parishioner of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Seaside Heights, the Holy Name Society, the Italian American Club, where he won the first Seaside Heights Citizen of the Year Award, the American Legion (commander for two years), the Seaside Heights Planning Board, the Ocean County Veterans' Association, the Ocean County Civil Service Association, the Civil Defense Director of Seaside Heights for 20 years, and the Central Regional Board of Education for 33 years, including its president for three years. Leonard was predeceased by his wife, Gerry of 61 years; his parents, Alma and Frank Ipri; his brother, Val Ipri; his sister, Rose McDevitt; and his niece, Linda McDevitt. Surviving are two daughters and sons-in-law, Jeanne and Bob Fallon of Brick, and Sue and Bennett Perlmutter of Mendham; four grandchildren, Michael Fallon and his wife Dawn of Denville, Kelly Carle and her husband Jared of Brick, Matthew Perlmutter of New York City, and Lisa Perlmutter of Mendham; a nephew, Neil and wife Carol McDevitt of Little Silver; and two great-grandchildren, Sammy and Lexi Fallon of Denville.The mayor of Seaside Heights once said, "Leonard is one of a kind who comes along once in a lifetime. He devoted his life to Seaside Heights, helping neighbors and citizens alike, and gave his time, ideas and energy freely." And now destiny has placed Leonard Ipri on another journey. Our hearts and prayers are with him. Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, Feb. 8 from Anderson and Campbell Funeral Home, 703 Main St., Toms River. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Seaside Heights. Entombment will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Toms River.