Leonard Joseph Scarola, affectionately known as "Lenny," of Dagsboro, Delaware, began his final adventure on April 11, 2025, at the age of 90, surrounded by peace and the love of his life, his wife of 60 years, Anna Scarola. A man of boundless spirit, Lenny lived a life rich in adventure, friendship, kindness, laughter, and, above all, love.

Born on August 2, 1934, in the Bronx, New York, Lenny spent his formative years in Jackson Heights and attended St. Gabriel's School in East Elmhurst and De LaSalle High School in Whitestone, Queens. From a young age, Lenny was drawn to excitement and imagination. He filled his childhood with toy soldiers, cowboys, and baseball cards, passions that stayed with him throughout his life—reflected in his Army service, love for Louis L'Amour novels, devotion to John Wayne films, and unwavering loyalty to the New York Yankees.

An athlete and adventurer, Lenny started roller skating at age 8 and picked up hockey by 11. His youth was marked by pink rubber Spalding balls and neighborhood games of stickball, stoop ball, diamond ball, and roller skate hockey. His stories of growing up during World War II—especially those shared with his lifelong friend Duke Comunale—were legendary, filled with campouts, potato roasts, and backyard battle reenactments. In 1964, Duke stood beside him as best man on his wedding day, one of many cherished friendships Lenny cultivated over the years.

Following high school, Lenny served with pride in the U.S. Army Reserves for six years, reaching the rank of Sergeant in the 325th Tank Battalion of the 10th Cavalry Regiment. He often recalled the special vacation his parents gifted him to Miami upon completing boot camp—a testament to the closeness of his family.

In the early 1960s, Lenny co-owned a dive company, participating in critical recovery missions in the East River, including efforts following the tragic 1960 plane collision over LaGuardia. He later became a scuba instructor at Central Skin Divers in Jamaica, New York, where he formed a lasting friendship and diving partnership with Enzo Brun. Professionally, Lenny spent 35 years at American Cyanamid, managing international transportation operations. There, he added another lifelong friend to his circle, Walter Lubichic.

Lenny and Anna raised their two children in Vernon, New Jersey, where they lived for 34 years. He loved the outdoors and Sussex County was the playground where he spent countless hours fostering that same love in his children.

A lover of life's great joys, Lenny was happiest with family, on the sea, in the snow, or planning his next escape to Italy. He was known for captaining his beloved boat, The Tianna Rose, and for naming every friendly seagull "Charlie." At age 40, he took up skiing and found deep joy in sharing that passion with his children and grandchildren. He gave generously of his time, volunteering for the New Jersey Youth Ski Racing Association and NJ Special Olympics and was honored as "Coach of the Century" by NJYSRA.

He treasured moments spent with loved ones. He celebrated every birthday, holiday, and vacation with the enthusiasm of a child counting "wake-ups" until the big day. The family station wagon was always packed with fishing gear, water toys, bikes or skis. His spirit lives in these memories, passed down through stories and traditions which he documented in his many journals and well-kept photo albums.

He was predeceased by his loving parents, Vito and Rose Scarola, and five sisters: Annie Grattagliano, Antoinette Moramarco, Mary Guarino, Angelina Vitale, and Lillian Fortunato Morris. His sister Angie held a special place in his heart, having taught him to fish, read, and nurturing his love of Westerns. He is also reunited with lifelong friends Duke and Enzo.

Lenny leaves behind a family who adored him: his devoted wife Anna; his son, Vito, and daughter-in-law, Tish Radtke; his daughter, Rose Strand, and son-in-law, Chad. He was the proud and playful "Pop Pop" to his grandchildren: Caroline and Ella Scarola, and Owen and Bryer Strand. His legacy lives brightly in each of them.

He also leaves behind a wide circle of in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, neighbors, and caregivers—each of whom felt like his favorite, because to Lenny, they truly were. His joy was infectious, his hugs unforgettable, his Rob Roys expertly mixed, and his silly stories and pranks the stuff of legend.

Lenny's CB handle was "Trailblazer," and it couldn't have been more fitting. As he blazes his final trail, we imagine him bound for Italy on a sunny day, a seagull named Charlie in tow, a Western novel in his lap, and the ocean at his back. He has left this world better than he found it—and filled it with a love that endures.

Trailblazer out.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 2, at Our Lady Guadalupe Church, 35318 Church Road, Frankford, DE with visitation at 10 am and Mass at 11 am. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 32112 Vines Creek Road, Dagsboro, DE.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lenny's memory to one of his favorite organizations.

South Coastal Cancer Center            https://www.beebehealthcare.org/donate

South Coastal Library             https://www.foscl.com/donate

New Jersey Ski Racing Association, 9 Annabelle Lane, Warwick, NY 10990