It is with joy for having known and loved him and sorrow for having to let him go that the family of Leon J. Pianka (age 89) shares the news of his passing on August 30, 2024 in Middletown, NY with loving family at his side.

Leon was born March 7, 1935 to the late Leo and Annette (Fierro) Pianka in the Bronx, NY. After high school, Leon enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served in the Corps and reserves from 1952 to 1956. He then met the love of his life, Helen, who became his wife in 1957. Their story of love and devotion lasted 67 years. Leon and his wife were blessed with two wonderful children: daughter Valorie Rittendale and her husband Michael of Roscoe, NY and son Michael Pianka and his wife Lisa of Montgomery, NY. Leon was also blessed with grandsons Michael Pianka and wife Kelsey, Christopher Rittendale and wife Anastasia, Tyler Pianka and wife Dana, and Roman Pianka. Leon was unfortunately predeceased by his grandsons Cody and Zane Pianka, whom he missed very much. Great-grandsons Leo, Lucas, and Dean Pianka round out Leon’s incredible family. Leon is also survived by his sister, Lorraine Amato, of Somers, NY.

After leaving the Marines, Leon worked as an auto mechanic. He began his entrepreneurial career as the owner/operator of Monsey Gulf, a repair shop/gas station. He later started an automotive equipment company and leasing company. Leon became one of the top national automotive equipment salesmen for Hunter Engineering Company and retired in 2009.

In addition to his business career and military service, Leon was always devoted to helping those in his community. He was a 55-year member of Lions International. He served in Rockland County’s Monsey Lions and Orange County’s Warwick Lions, and he traveled throughout the United States and parts of Europe with Lions conventions and delegations. He represented Lions International as part of an NGO and gave a speech at the United Nations in New York City.

Leon J. Pianka was truly a self-made man, who was hard-working and displayed a love of learning throughout his life. He was a devoted and loyal family man and friend. Leon never stopped making new friends and truly enjoyed the “Wildflower” friends he made in recent years. Those who knew him will agree, Leon was loved by all.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home, 130 Highland Avenue, Middletown, NY from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 PM.

Memorial prayers will be offered on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at the Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home (10:00 AM) followed by burial at the Orange County Veterans Cemetery, 111 Craigville Road, Goshen, NY (11:15 AM).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hudson Valley Honor Flight, 40 Main Street, Walden, NY 12586 or go to hvhonorflight.com.