Leonard E. Califano

March 16, 1964 - February 9, 2022

Leonard E. Califano Jr., 57, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, February 5, 2022. Leonard was born on March 12, 1964 in Schenectady, New York. He was the son of the late Leonard E. Califano Sr. and Diana DiGenova Califano Suprunowicz. Leonard grew up in Niskayuna and later moved to New Hampshire where he graduated from Alvirne High School. Growing up, Len played Little League baseball and Pop Warner football. He will be remembered by his teammates as being fast. He was proud to have earned the President’s Physical Fitness Award. After high school he moved to Connecticut where he enjoyed body building and volunteering at the local animal shelter. He was kind and gentle with dogs and cats. As an adult, Len suffered from mental illness and subsequently struggled with addiction, which ultimately led to his unintentional death. The Covid-19 pandemic has negatively affected many people’s mental health and created new barriers for people already suffering from mental illness and substance abuse disorders. Lack of in-person services, medical attention, and increased isolation continue to impact this growing population. Lenny loved good food, Marlboro 100s “in the box,” and old movies. He collected comic books and old rock music. He looked forward to annual visits to see his cousins in Schenectady and occasional visits to his sister’s farm in Virginia. While His parents were living in Florida he enjoyed warm, winter visits and long days at the pool. He was thoughtful about remembering birthdays and friends and family could always count on a congratulatory phone call from Len. Lenny is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Michele Califano Stevens and Edward “Andy” Stevens of Charleston, SC, his sister, Diana Califano of Ridgway, CO, and their children and grandchildren, as well as his uncle and several supportive cousins in Schenectady, NY. His life will be celebrated through a private memorial service for family on Saturday May 21, 2022. The Rite of Committal at St. Anthony Cemetery will be private.