Mr. Leonard J. Maniscalco of Oak Brook

With a full, heavy heart, Leonard Maniscalco, of Oak Brook, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, September 24, 2023. Son of the late William and the late Josephine (nee Immordino) Maniscalco. Len was born and raised in Chicago where he met his wife, Paula Ann. They were married in 1959 until Paula passed 26 years later. Young and ambitious, combined with their strong faith, together they embarked on their journey with their vast hopes and dreams. They had 3 daughters, Paula Kelli (Jeff) Whisler, Jacqueline Jo (Paul) Adank and Suzanne Louise (Dan) Dwyer. Six grandchildren, Paula (Terence) Coppola, Emily (Thomas) Haubenreich, Austin (Madison) Adank, Samuel Adank, Nicholas Dwyer and Joseph Dwyer. Two great grandchildren, Luca and Leo. Len and Paula built their dream home and set roots in Oak Brook. He was a self-made man. Started multiple businesses from the ground up. Had a strong work ethic from a young age and at times worked two jobs. His perseverance and determination to succeed was the only option. He worked until the very end, 86 years old. Paula Ann passed at a young age (47). Len was an exemplary father to his daughters as he took on the mother and father role for many years. Len married Geri in 1991 until she passed in 2017. They enjoyed life together between Oak Brook and Florida. Golfing at Medinah Country Club where he was a member since 1982 and the Island Country Club in Marco Island, FL. He prioritized family, was energized by friends, philanthropic by nature, embodied a sense of humor that drew others in, happy to be surrounded by people, planning a party, always having a new idea, watching the Bears, White Sox, Bulls, Blackhawks and of course, working. He found great happiness in attending the grandchildren’s sporting and dance events. Christmas Eve was his ultimate favorite as that was his one requested day his family came together celebrating at his home. His heart melted as he looked around the large table of the family that grew out of the love that began when he wed in 1959. Len was forever telling stories. Many of the traditions he grew up with from his Italian-American heritage. He was proud to be American. Proud to be Italian. Proud of his family. Proud of the life he dreamed of that became his truth. Len was a devout Catholic. Participated in many retreats. Was involved from the beginning of the building of Ascension Parish in Oak Brook Terrace, Illinois. Went to weekly mass religiously. A parishioner for 53 years. He led a very active life. In his early years, he was in the National Guard. Although he studied at Northern Illinois University, his heart was with St. Mary’s University, MN. Held many positions on a variety of boards. A member of the Columbian Club of Chicago since 1973. Was Chairman of the Board of Harris Bank branch. A guest on Fox News. Local Representative for the East-West Tollway Extension, the Advisory Board of St. Mary’s University. During his last years he had a loving companionship with Marie Merola until her passing in 2022. It is with profound sadness to have him leave this earth where he has made such a mark on so many. He is greeted in heaven by countless loved ones that have been awaiting his arrival for years. Until we are together again, dear Len. A beautiful life remembered. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 from 3:00 to 9:00 P.M. at Morizzo Funeral Home, 2550 West Hassell Rd., (Northeast corner of Barrington Rd.), Hoffman Estates, IL. 60169. Family and Friends will meet Thursday, September 28, 2023 for a visitation from 8:30 A.M. till time of Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 A.M. at Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church, 1S314 Summit Ave, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181. Entombment to follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside. In lieu of flowers donations made in to St Jude Children's Research Hospital would be greatly appreciated. The family has created this Life Tributes page to make it easy to share your memories, photos, and videos. For those of you that would have attended services and would like to express your condolences please click on the "Share A Memory" link above and you can leave a message. If you wish to send a Sympathy Card, please feel free to send it to Morizzo Funeral Home, 2550 Hassell Road, Hoffman Estates, Illinois, 60169 c/o the Family; we will gladly forward it on to the family. For further information please contact the Morizzo Funeral Directors at 847.752.6444. Arrangements entrusted to Morizzo Funeral Home and Cremation Services, at 2550 West Hassell Road, (Northeast corner at Barrington Road), Hoffman Estates, Illinois 60169.

Mr. Leonard J. Maniscalco of Oak Brook

June 24, 1937 - September 24, 2023