Leonarda Adamo Filippone

Leonarda Adamo Filippone (Lena) passed away on June 4, 2022, to be reunited with her loving husband, Frank John. Lena was born on September 10, 1929, to Antonio and Francesca Adamo in San Diego, CA and was proud to say she was a native San Diegan. She was the youngest of seven children and her two sisters remained her best friends throughout their entire lives. Growing up in Little Italy, Lena was most proud of her Sicilian heritage. She attended Washington Elementary School, Roosevelt Junior High, and San Diego High School. She was a member of Our Lady of the Rosary Church her entire life and was an active member of the OLR Guild.

Lena was married to her soulmate Frank John Filippone on January 9, 1949, and they were happily married for 49 years prior to his passing. Lena and Frank had two children, Anthony and Frances Marie. She was actively involved in their activities and enjoyed volunteering at their schools. Nothing was more important to her than her family. Lena enjoyed cooking and the weekly Sunday dinners with her children and grandchildren. Her collection of recipes passed on to the family include homemade raviolis, cannoli, and a variety of traditional Italian cookies which are enjoyed by so many. There were many family vacations with children and grandchildren to Clear Lake, National Parks, Washington D.C., Disneyworld, and Italy. More than anything else, being together as a family was her favorite thing. No matter how big or small the reason, Lena always found immense joy in celebrating with her family.

Lena cherished and loved each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and continued to joyfully attend many of their school and sporting events as well. She was happiest when they were together.

Lena leaves behind her two children Anthony Filippone and Fran Calvert (Stanley), grandchildren Marsi (Jonathon), Frank John (Mariel), Anthony (Rachel), Spencer, Mike (Misty), Jenelle (Gale), Nick, and Jaci, and thirteen great grandchildren, Giuliano, Massimo, Adeline, Marley, Manny, Farrah, Vincent, Donovan, Makaila, Presley, Maleia, Keegan, and Gianna. She will be deeply missed by all.

Lena is preceded in death by her husband, Frank, her parents and siblings, and her great grandson Jacob.

When you feel a gentle breeze or the warmth of the sun on your face, think of her. She will always be with us.

A memorial service for Lena will be held Thursday, June 16th, 2022, at 9:00 am at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 1668 State St. in San Diego’s Little Italy. Following the memorial service will be a graveside service at Holy Cross Cemetery, 4470 Hilltop Dr. San Diego, CA 92102.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please make donations to Parkinson's Association of San Diego or Alzheimer's San Diego.