Obituary of Leonard V. Don Diego jr

Leonard V. Don Diego, Jr., Ph.D., 68, of Manalapan Township, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 17, 2013, at home surrounded by his family and friends. Born in the Park Slope section of Brooklyn, he has resided in Manalapan for the past 20 years. He was a communicant of St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Manalapan. Lenny attended Adelphi Academy, Brooklyn and received a BA from Teachers College and an MS and Ph.D. from Columbia University, NYC. He taught at Xaverian High School, Brooklyn and then at Brick High School and Kean University. After retiring in 2007, he became a volunteer EMT for the Manalapan/Englishtown squad. Lenny loved learning, history, sports, collectibles and model trains. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was the greatest of story tellers and never missed a teaching moment, which he did in his own very special way! He devoted his life to his family while also developing young minds and saving lives. He touched many people throughout his life and will be deeply missed. He was predeceased by his parents, Dr. Leonard Sr. and Grace Don Diego, and his brother, Edmund. He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Patricia; his two children, Leonard Don Diego III of New York City and, Laura Don Diego of Manalapan. Family and friends are invited to visit Friday, Sept. 20th, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 PM, at Freeman Manalapan-Marlboro Funeral Home, 344 Route 9 North, Manalapan. A Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated on Saturday at 10 AM at St. Thomas More Church, Manalapan. Entombment will follow at Holmdel Mausoleum, Holmdel. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society. To share photos or a memory, offer a condolence or find directions, please visit www.freemanfuneralhomes.com