Leo V. Gendron

Leo was born in Teaneck, N.J. to George and Betty Gendron on April 26, 1955. He was the middle of five boys with brothers George ("Mickey"), Gerry, Kevin, and Paul. Although the family moved within Bergen County during his childhood, Leo always considered Oradell his home. After three years at Bergen Catholic, Leo finished high school in Texas, as his family moved to Houston, the summer before his senior year. He went on to attend Villanova University, where he met his wife, Aline Wallace. The couple graduated together in 1977 and wed in Scarsdale, N.Y., in 1979. Leo and Aline eventually found a forever home in the quiet town of Harrington Park, N.J., where they welcomed their two children, Marisa and Mark.

When the kids were young, the family visited Leo's parents and brothers in Houston, Boston, Laguna Hills, and Dallas. Later, Aruba became the family vacation spot of choice. A beach and a book were Leo's idea of relaxation. Every four years, the extended Gendron family planned family reunions in places such as Cape Cod, Callaway Gardens, and Kiawah Island. It was evident that Leo was happiest when surrounded by his family. Eventually, family reunions were replaced by the weddings of his nieces and nephews, whom he adored.

Leo was a tremendous father and husband, always willing to assist with homework, frequently coaching the kids' sports teams, while also volunteering as a Eucharistic minister at Our Lady of Victories Church. He was an avid reader, a gourmet cook, and loved to golf and fish. He cheered for the Yankees, Knicks, Giants and Jets, and of course, his Villanova Wildcats. The family rallied around Villanova basketball games and attended many together. Above all else, Leo was a family man. He played hoops with the kids, grilled for BBQs, and cooked countless holiday dinners for large family gatherings. Holidays were often spent with the Wallace family, whom Leo loved dearly. Leo looked out for others. He provided care for his beloved aunt, Mary Gendron of Queens, N.Y., when she fell ill and companionship for Aline's father, Phillip Wallace of Larchmont, N.Y., after Aline's mother, Ann, passed away.

Professionally, Leo dedicated over 35 years of his career to Automatic Data Processing (ADP), where he worked as a Sales Controller until his retirement in 2018. Leo took great pride not only in his work, but in the people he worked with. He was a gifted mentor who genuinely cared about helping others succeed and was passionate about supporting and guiding those coming up in his field.

In 2018, he welcomed a daughter-in-law to the family when Mark wed Katie Boushie. Leo earned his favorite title, "Poppy", when his grandchildren, Savannah and Rory, were born. They instantly became the pride and joy of his life, providing countless laughs and memories.

Those who knew Leo will remember him for his thoughtfulness, generosity, and remarkable ability to make the people around him feel cared for. He made people feel supported, valued, and loved. His family will remember not only the things he did for them, but the warmth, compassion, and love with which he lived his life. He will be deeply missed and forever loved by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Columbia Medical Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center (HICCC) to support the cancer research of the physicians who helped take such great care of Leo.