Angelo Frank Lonardo

Angelo was one of the world’s greatest storytellers. Whether he was talking about his family’s connection to the Mafia or explaining a case to a jury, all who listened were drawn to Angelo’s voice and presence. Angelo was born on March 14, 1950, in Cleveland, Ohio. Angelo’s parents were a modern-day beauty and the beast. His father, Frank, was a bail bondsman and knew how to collect unpaid funds by any means necessary. His mother, Monica, was a beautiful, loving, and supportive wife and mother. Angelo was the youngest of three children. His brother, Joseph, also known as “Doc”, was his best friend and shared many adventures together. Angelo’s older sister, Carol, was the strongest of the children and with love she kept everyone in line. Carol would later marry Brent Marcoguiseppe who was recently inducted into the Benedictine Hall of Fame for his excellence in Football. Angelo and Brent became more than brothers throughout their lives. With Angelo’s Uncle, “Big Ang” Lonardo, being indicted for Aggravated Murder, Angelo decided to attend Cleveland Marshall School of Law and excelled at the top of his class. At the time, one of the top Cleveland Criminal Defense Attorneys was Leonard W. Yelsky. Leonard saw the potential in young Angelo and took him under his wing and had him sit second chair in some of Cleveland’s high-profile cases. To Angelo, preparing for a case was like getting ready for battle. He often referred to Criminal Defense Attorneys as Warriors, such as the late and great Harold Wonnell and Elmer Giuliani. Judges, Prosecutors, Defense Attorneys, Court Reporters, Bailiffs, and Jurors loved Angelo. It was not uncommon for jurors to call or write Angelo a letter after a trial to express their admiration for the work he had done. Angelo’s life changed when he met Darleen Long, a skinny, long legged, blonde ballerina, with piercing green eyes from Parma, Ohio. They crossed paths at a young age and were reintroduced by Angelo’s college friend. At the time, Darleen accepted a full scholarship to the New York City Ballet. Angelo would travel to New York City to visit Darleen and that was it, they fell in love. They married when they were only 20 and 21 years old. They honeymooned in Europe for two months. Angelo contemplated a career as writer. It wasn’t until his uncle, “Big Ang” Lonardo, was indicted that Angelo decided to return home to Cleveland. Through all of Angelo’s professional accolades, his greatest achievement was his family. Angelo and Darleen were blessed with three FABULOUS children Frank (Paula), Antoinette, and Joseph (Gabriella) and six grandchildren, Angelina and Giana, Alexandria and Ahnika and Mila and Joseph. They referred to their grandfather as “Papa”, who would greet them with a larger-than-life smile and an endless supply of sugar and toys. On December 23rd, 2022, Darleen Lonardo passed away. Nearly two months later, on February 21, 2023, Angelo died of a broken heart. We have faith that Angelo and Darleen are now together. Mass of Christian Burial 12:00 noon Saturday February 25 at Church of the Resurrection, 32001 Cannon Rd. Solon, OH 44139. (Please Meet at Church) Interment Calvary Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the DiCICCO & SONS FUNERAL HOME, 5975 MAYFIELD RD. MAYFIELD HTS. OH 44124, FRIDAY from 2:00-7:00 pm. Online tribute and condolences www.diciccoandsonsfh.com