Frances Ceraolo Leandri, 79, died suddenly and unexpectedly at her home in Clearwater, January 7, 2009. She was a lifelong resident and member of a Pinellas County pioneer family and the youngest of twelve children. Her parents, Carmelo and Rosa Ceraolo moved to Pinellas County in 1908 from Messina, Sicily. Frances attended South Ward Elementary, Clearwater Junior High and was a graduate of Clearwater High School, Class of 1947. She met her future husband, Richard A. "Dick" Leandri, at the age of 7 and married in 1950.
Their marriage produced three children: Rosanne Leandri (Bob) Ryan, Belleair Bluffs, Renee Leandri Teal, Clearwater, Richard M. “Rick” (Amy) Leandri, Clearwater, FL. In addition to her children, she is survived by 8 grandchildren: Heather Ryan (Shawn) Winder, Carrie Ryan (Joe) Naeseth, Matthew P. Ryan, Michelle Lea (Dr. Nicholas Manias) Teal, Reed A. (Julie Jakubzak,) Teal, Anthony R. Leandri, Michael E. Leandri, and Christopher J. Leandri. Two great-grandchildren: Ryan J. Winder and Lila Rose Naeseth. She is also survived by her sister, Carmeline C. Russo, Clearwater, two brothers, Carmel A. Ceraolo, Weeki Wachee, and Albert F. Ceraolo, Clearwater.
Frances was always proud to be known as “Richard’s wife," “the children’s mother," and "Nonni." Her life was devoted to being a wife, mother, grandmother, and, great -grandmother. She was a lifelong member of St. Cecelia Catholic Church, a charter member of Clearwater Community Women’s Club, Pinellas County Pioneers, Clearwater High Alumni Association, and past volunteer at Morning Star School. Frances’ devotion to nurturing and loving others is evidenced by the many friends and family she touched. Her hobbies included gardening, bowling, cooking, and caring for others.
The family will receive friends Friday evening from 4pm until 8pm at The Hospice of the Florida Suncoast, 5771 Roosevelt Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33760. Funeral Mass will be 1:30pm Saturday, January 17, at St. Cecelia Catholic Church. She will be laid to rest with her husband, Richard, and grandson, Ricky, at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park.
Donations may be made in her memory to Morning Star School, 4661 80th AV. N., Pinellas Park, FL 33781.
We like being your friends, but not your funeral directors. We were remembering all the fun we had as “baseball” parents at Clearwater High. Your mom was always with you and just one of us. All three of you took good care of her, you were good children!
We extend our deepest symapathy to the Leandri family. I remember your mother as a sweet and wonderful woman, who was always smiling.
Bob and I send our most heartfelt sympathy at the loss of your mother (grandmother, great-grandmother). She will be remembered as warm and friendly and always there to help when her family needed her.
Our deepest sympathy to all of you in the loss of a wonderful women. It was an honor to have been able to know this wonderful women. All of you are very lucky to have had her as your Mom Mother in law grandmother and great grandmother and friend. Her love shines through all of you. Hold tight to the memories and know that heaven is a much better place now with her being home. We will continue to keep all of you in our prayers.
God Bless
Mary Jo and Scott
We are so sorry for the loss of your mother, for she was a wonderful woman. We will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
It has been such a pleasure knowing and spending time with “Nonni” over the years. I will always remember her as such a hard worker and especially giving person! Her salad at the holidays was impossible to surpass! We are thankful to have known “Nonni” and consider ourselves incredibly lucky! God Bless her friends and family and please know our prayers are with you! XOXO
Our condolences on your loss. We will continue to pray for you and your family during this time. Love you all,
The Myrick’s
As an aunt, she was unsurpassed. As a mentor, she was much appreciated. As a friend, she is irreplaceable. She provided me with much needed counsel during the two years since my mother passed. I will always remember her smile and encouragement, and I will forever miss her. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
We offer our sincere condolences on the loss of your mother. Her greatest legacy is the beautiful family she so carefully nurtured.
Dearest Rosie, Bob and all of Nonni’s family. Your stories and accounts of Nonnie, leave absolutely no room for doubt as to the love felt for her and the love she generated. You are all blessed having had her in your lives. She has gone to join the loved ones she has lost, no doubt taking her shining soul to new heights. We know your pain, we are ready to help as needed. With our love to you, Mike and Charlene
Bob, Rosie, and family,
We have all been blessed through the years to have known your mom. Her passing will create a big void but hopefully the happy memories will help cushion that pain. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Kathy and Mark
Renee, our family is keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. I too remember, how wonderfully kind and sweet you mother was when we were growing up as young friends at St. Cecelia’s School. Although our lives have taken us to different places, my parents would share with me the times they saw your Mom and how peaceful she always seemed to be. May you me sustained with the many wonderful memories of your Mom with your family. Kathy and the Perrott family
Carrie’s Nonni stories touched our hearts. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
We wish that the family will find peace knowing that she touched the lives of so many. We enjoyed her uplifting spirit and her hard work on behalf of the children of Morning Star School. Our prayers are with you.
Roseanne and Heather,
I know how special your momnonni was to you. Please accept our sincere condolances. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
Love, the Namey Family
To the Leandri Family:
Our hearts are broken at the news of the death of your Mother, Frances. She was such a wonderful, caring neighbor to us for the past seven years and I will cherish the many talks we had and our few times together. We are lovingly thinking of all of you at this time.
Dear Roseanne, Renee and Rick,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. She is now one of God’s greatest angels.
We wanted to extend our sympathy to your family- You are in our thoughts and prayers. Nonni was a wonderful, caring, loving person. She is always be remembered.
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother. She will always be remembered by the children and staff for her kindness and compassion. You will miss her greatly but have many fond memories of her as a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and a woman who reached out to those in need.
To Rosanne, Renee, and Rick and your extended families: The Nick Cavallaro family extends our deepest sympathy. We cherish our memories of your wonderful family. God Bless – Nick, Dan, Jerry, Ted, Vicki, and Dorothy Chambers.
Rick – It was great catching up with you this morning. As mentioned, no matter the distance in time and space seems like the connection is always there. I appreciate that but am saddened by the fact this time the reconnection was because of the unexpected loss of your mom, Aunt Frances. My heartfelt, warm regards to Amy, Rosanne and Bob, and Renee. My condolences to all of you. You will be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. During this time though, share the special memories of what a dear and caring lady your mom was. Truly celebrate her life and the incredible legacy she created and remains through all of you. Love, Mark
Renee–I’m Kim’s mother–I didn’t know your mother-but for what people have written in here she must have been a Saint here on earth-I’m so very sorry for your all’s loss-God be with you is my prayer and your Family!
She was always a great supporter of her family and husband Dick…She was the Anchor!
I send my sincere sympathy to all, especially her sister, Carmeline and brothers, Carmel and Albert. Us crackers have had a good go. Johnny
Dear Ryan family, we send you our condolences, thoughts, and prayers during this time of mourning for your beloved mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother. We love you all,
Stuart and Mary
To the Leandri Family,
Our family is very saddened to learn of your Mothers
passing. We know she is in a better place. It is so
hard to know she is gone.
Just last week, while I was at Mass I looked for her. If she was there, she would give me a sweet little wave.
She was loved by all how knew her.
We are thinking of you all,at this sad time.
Sincerely,
Mr. and Mrs. Ron Perrott
She always sat in the back of the old section. I usually sat a few rows up in front of her and when
I stand to go to communion I turn to see if she is there. If she is she would give me a sweet littl
Your Mom was very special to all of us at Morning Star and will be remembered special in the prayers of the children, faculty and staff. She was a remarkable mother, a proud grandmother and certainly a loving great-grandmother. She will be missed but has touched many lives with her gentle ways. May you find comfort in knowing she is with the Lord.
To all The Leandri Family. Our prayers are with you all. We have some very special memories,with your Mother, that goes back many years. Your Mother was a very Special Lady. She will be remembered alway. Our love to each of you.
Our deepest sympathy to all of the extended Leandri and Ceraolo families.
We will always remember Aunt Frances as a loving, nurturing caregiver to anyone she knew that was in need of a warm hug, caring words and delicious comfort food. Our family has special memories of the extraordinary comfort she extended to all of us during difficult times. Frances always made you feel loved.
My condolences to the entire family. I pray that God will keep her in his arms and that he provide strength for the family during this difficult time. May she rest in peace.
Our Deepest Sympanthy for the loss of your mother. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. With Love, Bobbie, Pete, Nick and Cameron Newton
Rick, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. The Musumecis
Dear Rosanne and Bob, Renee, Rick and Amy (and all the Leandri family). I am so sorry to hear about your mom. I only met her a few times but know through you (epecially Rosanne)how important children and family were to her. Your families have been so much a part of our St. Cecelia School community. Please know that I personallly and, we as a school community, extend our sympathy for your loss. She was the matriarch of a great family. We will keep of you in our prayers. Mary Beth Scanlon and the St. Cecelia School community.
Dear Rosanne, Bob, Renee, Rick, Amy and all the Leandi family. We are so sorry to hear about your Mom. I only met you mom a few times but know that family and children were especially important to her. Your family has been part of our school for many years. Please know that I as well as the St. Cecelia School community extend our sympathy to you. Your mom was the matriach of a great family. We will keep of our you in our prayers during ths difficult of loss. Mary Beth Scanlon and St. Cecelia School community
Dearest Renee and Family,
I was deeply saddened and shocked to hear of your mother’s sudden passing. My heart is crying for all of you. Surely, this sainted woman is sitting in a high mansion where she is indeed looking after all of youuntil you meet again. The very best of her lives on in you.
To Rosie,Bob,Renee,Rick,Amy and families, Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you all at this ever so difficult time.Your mother,grandmother and great-grandmother was truly a wonderful woman who will always hold a very special place in our hearts. She is now at home and at eternal peace but will
forever live on through all of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dearest Leandri Family,
I will always remember your Mom and Dad as role models. I was priveledged to have known them long ago and will be forever grateful to your Dad who coached us through business and meeting your Mom was a special bonus. Hold on to her smile and her spirit and may those many reminders bring you strength when you need it. Sincerely, Dolly
My family and I would like to extend our deepest sympathies for the the loss of Nonni. As a college friend of her granddaughter Carrie, I was very lucky to celebrate many special occasions with Nonni. She always greeted me with a wonderful hug and smile and always made you feel so special. She was an amazing mother, grandmother and friend and will be missed dearly. We will keep your families in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Beth, Anthony and Isabella Labno
You have our sincere condolences. Although we saw Frances only three or four times a year, we will never forget her smiling graciousness and zest for life.
What a blessing your Mother was for the world to see! We will miss her. She has treated our family like her own from the day we met, we are so sorry for your loss.
Your Mother had tremendous faith, in John 1 5:13 God tells us that whoever believes on the son will have life everlasting. We can all be comforted knowing that we will see her again one day forever, without fear of times such as now, knowing she is with our savior the Lord Jesus Christ. God Bless you all.
Bob and I are so very sorry for your loss. Your mom was a very special lady and I know she will be missed. Know that you and your family are in our prayers.
To all the Leandri Femily,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. I remember so well the many times we spent with both your parents at Sunshine Mall. The last time we met Fran, was at a supermarket – as Fran and I talked and talked, Rene´ finally took the ice cream out of the cart saying that it would be completely defrosdted by the time we finished talking. Only knowing that she is now in a better place and with the passage of time, will you all be able to face each day without her in your midst. With warmest regards, Alice and Rene´ and family.
To all the Leandri Femily,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. I remember so well the many times we spent with both your parents at Sunshine Mall. The last time we met Fran, was at a supermarket – as Fran and I talked and talked, Rene´ finally took the ice cream out of the cart saying that it would be completely defrosdted by the time we finished talking. Only knowing that she is now in a better place and with the passage of time, will you all be able to face each day without her in your midst. With warmest regards, Alice and Rene´ and family.
I am very saddened to learn of Mrs. Leandri’s passing. As her letter carrier for many years, I felt I was privileged to have the opportunity to know her through our many curbside chats. Her pride and love for her family was always evident. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy through this difficult time.
We send our deepest sympathy for the loss of your mother to all your family. We will keep you in our prayers.
I will miss your welcoming smile and helpful hands. You were a blessing to any who came under your care. I believe the Lord will welcome you as you have welcomed others. Sincerely, Vicki