Darleen Lonardo

Darleen’s ever-present smile and extraordinary green eyes captivated all those who met her. She had an incredible zest for life and excelled at everything she set her mind to achieve, as a ballerina, editor, wife, mother, teacher and “Nema,” her cherished “Nickname” given to her by her twin granddaughters, Giana and Angelina.

Over the last five years, Darleen fought a courageous battle with leukemia, assisted by the medical care and treatment provided to her by her vigilant nurses at University Hospital Seidman Cancer Center, under the direction of Doctor Leland Metheny-her good friend. The family thanks everyone for the compassion shown in the administration of her treatment.

Darleen never feared death and had a strength of will and spirituality, which inspired her family and friends. Darleen was born on January 2, 1951, on Corlett Avenue in Cleveland, Ohio. The oldest child of Gilbert and Dorothy Long followed by a younger brother, Gilbert, and sister, Nancy.

Darleen grew up proofreading manuscripts for her father, a printer and publisher of books and periodicals, including the game programs and official media guide for the Cleveland Browns.

As a student, Darleen obtained straight As in school while she pursued her passion for ballet at the renowned Marie Ables School for Classical Russian Ballet. At age 14, her dedication, talent, and work ethic were noticed by members of the New York City Ballet Company, while they were in town for a performance, and awarded her a full scholarship to join and perform as a member of the company.

Years later while on a break from the ballet, Darleen was introduced by a childhood friend to his college roommate, Angelo F. Lonardo. They fell in love and were married on September 17, 1971.

While Mr. Lonardo obtained his undergraduate degree from The Ohio State University and law degree from John Marshall-Cleveland State College of Law, Darleen supported the family as an editor for Country Living Magazine and the Judson Brooks Publishing Company. After her husband obtained his undergraduate degree, Darleen and Angelo took an extended and much overdue honeymoon to Europe, where they purchased a van and traveled extensively throughout England, France, Germany, Belgium, Italy, and Greece.

In recent years, Darleen has served as the matriarch of her family consisting of her husband of 50 years, Angelo, and their three children and six grandchildren. Their eldest child, Frank, age 48, is an executive sales director for Minute Men Staffing and married to Paula (Pappas). They have twin daughters, Giana and Angelina, age 18, graduates of Gilmour Academy and honor students at The Ohio State University. Darleen’s daughter and best friend, Antoinette, age 44, is a teacher for the Solon City Schools, mother of Alexandria, age 8, and Ahnika, age 5. Her son, Joseph, age 41, is a criminal defense attorney and married to Gabriella (Iannarelli). They have two children, Mila, age 7, and Joseph, age 4. All six grandchildren loved playing on hot summer afternoons in the woods and swimming in the pond in Nema’s backyard, while her children listened to music and partook in cookouts directed by her husband. Nema’s spirit, love, and inspiration will forever be alive and soar in the hearts and minds of her family. Thank you Nema.

The family will receive friends Thursday December 29, 2022, at DiCICCO & SONS FUNERAL HOME, 5975 MAYFIELD RD. MAYFIELD HTS. OH 44124, from 2 pm to 7 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, December 30, 2022, at 10 am at Church of the Resurrection, 32001 Cannon Road, Solon, Ohio 44139. Everyone is to meet at the Church. Interment will follow at Cavalry Cemetery. The family will receive family and friends following the Internment, from 12:30 to 2 pm, at Mia Bella Restaurant, located in Little Italy on the corner of Murray Hill and Mayfield Road, to celebrate the life of this extraordinary woman. Online tribute and condolences www.diciccoandsonsfh.com