Leonardo Michael Palazzo Jr.

A man of many names (Leon, Mike, Daddy, Poppie, the Captain and Ray Bello) and many talents, Leonardo was born on January 2, 1936 in the Marigny District of New Orleans. He went on to live in Terrytown, LA, Jackson, MS, and as a resident of Gretna, LA for the past several years. The oldest of 4 children, he remained close to his siblings and parents throughout his life. He is survived by his brothers Joseph Palazzo, (Linda Palazzo) Anthony Palazzo MD (Celia Palazzo) and sister Mary Louise Thome (Clem Thome, deceased).

He met the love of his life, Julie Ruffino, at a CYO dance, and they married in 1959. They've been together for the past 63 years and had three children; Lori L. Palazzo MD (Paul Konovodoff), Leo J. Palazzo JD (Dana Palazzo), and Vic J. Palazzo (Dawn Palazzo).

His grandchildren called him Poppie, and he regaled them for most of their young lives with his pirate stories, loving the looks in their eyes as he spun the adventures. He leaves behind five grandchildren who love him dearly; Rachel K. Torwick (Tyler Torwick), Alexis Konovodoff, Leonardo J. Palazzo, Sam Palazzo, and Max Palazzo.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Josephine Mendolia Palazzo and Leonardo Palazzo Sr.

Leonardo was a graduate of Holy Cross High School and Tulane University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He was also a Captain in the Army Reserves.

Leonardo had a rich and varied work life and showed determination and excellence in his job, no matter the profession. In his early life, he completed his paper route every morning, and went on to climb electrical poles for New Orleans Public Service as a young man. After selling lamps door-to-door, he landed his first sales job at Campbell Soup. He later joined Xerox corporation, where he rose to the rank of Branch Manager, won multiple President’s Clubs, and had the opportunity to travel the world with his wife, Julie, through awarded company trips. Later in life, he became a Certified Financial Planner, received his Notary license, and successfully managed multiple businesses up to the time of his passing.

Proud of his Sicilian heritage, Leonardo would speak Italian to his grandchildren whenever they came over. He would urge his visitors to “L-A-V-A” as soon as they entered the home, understanding the importance of washing one’s hands before the world did. He loved his wife’s cooking, and after being diagnosed with heart disease three years ago, he avidly embraced the Whole Plant Based Diet and the new meals he and Julie would come to love.

He was so proud of his children and bragged about them to whoever he met. His grandchildren gave him so much joy, and he remained close to them as they grew into young adults. He was a pivotal mascot in their lives and careers, constantly open to give wisdom and advice when they asked.

Throughout his whole life, Leonardo was an avid reader and book collector, creating a catalogued library over the years from various authors. He even started to write a book of his own, but didn’t get to finish it. Most of all, he loved the Bible, and chose to write and read scriptures daily. Proverbs 3:5-6 was one of his favorites: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding: in all your ways submit to Him, and He will direct your paths.

On August 27, Leonardo dwelled in the house of the Lord and gazed upon His beauty. Although we will all miss him, we know he is smiling and with Jesus.

The family wishes to thank Ken Kerut MD, Andrew Mayer MD, the entire staff at West Jefferson Hospital ER, Passages Hospice and Pharmacist Randy Carr of Carr Drugs.

Family and friends are invited to attend the visitation on Saturday, September 10, 2022 at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70124. Visitation from 10:00am - 1:00pm, followed by prayers and reflections. Interment will be private.