Paul R. Leonelli

Waltham – When Paul Leonelli drew his last breath he left us knowing at least three things . . . that he was loved and wanted and needed by a family that cherished him . . . and as hard as it was to say goodbye he would also tell you that he died the luckiest man on earth to have had them in his life.

Paul's friendly, affable nature made it easy to like him. Family meant everything to him . . . he was an accomplished cook and consummate party host, he loved making his specialty, prime rib with his famous mushroom gravy each Christmas and always welcomed friends and family into his home with a warm smile and a heartfelt greeting. A good day for him was working his shift as a public safety officer at Boston College, a job he thoroughly enjoyed, and then coming home to the most important people in his life, his wife, Theresa and their children, Paul and Mary.

Mr. Paul R. Leonelli, of Waltham, died on Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at Care Dimensions Hospice House in Lincoln after a brief battle with cancer. He was 56 years old.

Born in Waltham on May 31, 1964, he was a son of Gregorio and Josephine (Zanco) Leonelli. He graduated from Waltham High School in 1982 and four years later earned his bachelor's degree from Bentley College.

He met his wife, Needham native Theresa Kearns, on a blind date and after a courtship the pair married in Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Osterville. Most recently Paul worked as a public safety officer at Boston College where he made many friends among the familiar faces around campus. Prior to that, he was the owner of Jenson's Cleaners in Needham for almost thirty years.

In his younger years, Paul was an accomplished drummer and was active with the Knight of Columbus in Needham.

In addition to his wife, Theresa A. (Kearns) Leonelli, he leaves his children, Paul G. Leonelli and Mary F. Leonelli; his brothers, Gregory Leonelli (Nancy) of Lexington and John Leonelli (Anne) of Dennis and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Family and friends will honor and remember Paul's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Sunday, January 10th from 2 to 5 p.m. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday morning in Sacred Heart Church, 311 River Street, Waltham. Burial will follow in Mount Feake Cemetery, Waltham.

Those unable to attend may participate via this link on Monday, January 11th at 10 a.m.: https://my.gather.app/remember/paul-r-leonelli

Memorial donations may be made to https://www.gofundme.com/f/httpgofundmecomsupporttheleonellis

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Tuesday, December 22, 2020 – a note from the funeral home pursuant to Governor Baker's recent order:

During times of uncertainty and crisis one might wonder what to do at the loss of a loved one or how to show support to a friend given the limitations that the pandemic continues to present.

Telephone your friend to offer words of love, support and a verbal hug, drop something delicious by the house, leave a condolence on the funeral home website, make a donation to their favored charity, send a card or flowers or have a Mass said, remain in touch, and above all else . . . say prayers for the deceased and their family and the world during this difficult and unprecedented time.

These simple gifts of sympathy and charity are more valuable than you will ever know.

When public wakes are held capacity limits mean that your visit to the funeral home should be brief to allow other guests time to say hello to the family. Only members of the immediate family remain present throughout.

It goes without saying that people who have lost someone are especially sensitive and understanding to the concerns that some of their own family members and friends may have about visiting any public places right now. If this does not feel like the right time for you to venture out please don't.

Space limitations also mean that funeral services inside the funeral home and in many places of worship will also be private. Most services, at the family's request, will also be livestreamed and recorded for future viewing. The link to access the channel is found at the bottom of the obituary notice online.

Cemetery services are included in the current outdoor gathering limit of twenty-five people.

During any events, public or private, common sense precautions prevail. That includes masks covering your nose and mouth, staying with your household group throughout the services and keeping a sensible distance. Thank you . . . again . . . for your patience and understanding.