Leonard Joseph Smalling of Onley, Virginia, and Bridgehampton died on December 11 at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury, Maryland. He was 70.
Born April 21, 1943, in Patchogue, he was a son of George Smalling and Clara Ferrara, who predeceased him. Mr. Smalling retired from Verizon after 30 years, was a Catholic and served his country in the U.S. Navy. He was an artist, concentrating in abstract acrylic painting.
He is survived by two daughters, Leilani Sokaitis and husband Gary of Onley, and Nicki Hemby and husband Darryl of Bridgehampton; six grandchildren, Justin, Darian, Nina, Dylan, “Bump” and India; a sister, Faustina Christiansen and husband Thomas of Florida; his former wife of 30 years, Loretta Walker; and six nieces, four nephews and their families. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a sister and brother-in-law, Margaret Pontieri and husband Eugene; and a brother, Dominick Smalling.
A memorial service will be held at the Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Church in Bridgehampton on Saturday, December 21, at 10:30 a.m. A reception will follow in the parish hall. Flowers will be accepted or memorial donations may be made to Heifer International, 1 World Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72202 or www.heifer.org.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.
on Dec 16, 2013