Dion R. Leanza
March 28, 1972 - October 4, 2026
Dion R. Leanza, age 54, of Newark, DE, passed away on Sunday, October 4, 2026, leaving behind a family who loved him deeply and many friends whose lives were fuller and more joyful because they knew him.
Born in Perth Amboy, NJ, on March 28, 1972, he was the son of Robert Leanza and the late Sandra (Ruby) Leanza.
Dion, or “D” as many knew him, was a man of few words, but the words he offered were always meaningful, insightful, thoughtful, fair, and often funny, usually with a twist no one saw coming. He also had a wonderfully playful side that not everyone got to see. Once, he and Marie made a bet: whoever lost would have to cook the other breakfast, lunch, and dinner for an entire weekend, wearing nothing but an apron. With a bay window facing their elderly neighbor’s house, Marie was sure he would back out. But come Saturday morning, there was Dion in nothing but his apron, music playing, in front of the bay window without a care in the world.
Dion had a kind heart and was always quick to help anyone in need. Shortly after he and Marie moved into their home, they spotted their elderly neighbor, only half-dressed, searching for his lost dog. Dion grabbed a coat for him, and they rushed outside together. They searched until Dion found the dog, which turned out to be far heavier than it looked. He struggled to carry it, sweating the whole way, but managed to get the dog home safely to its owner.
For most of his career, Dion worked for The Boeing Company. He loved the travel that came with his work, including several years living in England. Together, Dion and Marie explored Europe, filling an entire passport with stamps, adventures, and laughter. Outside of work, he found his greatest joy in cooking, music, and discovering new places.
Those who knew him will remember that he was a fiercely loyal sports fan, which made life interesting in a household that rooted for every one of his rivals. He loved the Dallas Cowboys; Marie loved the Eagles. He loved the New York Yankees; she loved the Phillies. He loved the New Jersey Devils; of course, she loved the Flyers. Somehow, through every rivalry, they remained best friends for 29 years and husband and wife for 13.
Above all, Dion’s family was the heart of his world. He treasured the life he and Marie built together, a life full of joy, adventure, laughter, tears, quiet walks, and long talks. He was her husband, her best friend, her biggest supporter, and her safe place, and in his arms she always knew she was cherished. Dion never let a day pass without showing the people he loved how much they meant to him, whether through a warm hug, an unexpected joke, or simply being there when it mattered most. His kindness, his warmth, and his beautiful, generous heart touched everyone he met. Though our hearts are broken, the love he gave so freely will never leave us; it lives on in every memory, every smile, and every life he made better simply by being in it.
He is survived by his loving wife of 13 years, Marie H. VuLeanza; his father, Robert Leanza; his brother, Darth Leanza; his niece, Zoey Sandra Leanza; and his nephew, Darth Anthony Leanza Jr.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 9:30 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 11:45 a.m. Family and friends are invited to a reception immediately following the service; details will be shared at the funeral home. A witness cremation for family will take place privately in Middletown, DE.
Paul R. Fibraio
Remembering My Brother D — Dion Leanza
In 1986, two kids met at Woodbridge Vocational High School. Little did we know that meeting would turn into a friendship and brotherhood that would last nearly 40 years.
Over the next four years, Dion and I became great friends, both inside and outside of school. He was voted Most Likely to Succeed, while I was voted Class Gossip! Looking back, I think they got us both pretty much right!
Even after high school, we stayed close. We hung out, drank together, worked together at the Ground Round, and made more memories than I could ever count.
Dion brought Public Enemy to the group (“YEAH BOYYY!”), and I brought Metallica! We had our own tastes in music, but we both went to see Metallica on their Black Album tour. What a killer show and a memory I’ll never forget!
And then there were the legendary Fibraio New Year’s Eve parties!
One year, Dion had a little too much fun and passed out on the couch. We figured we’d let him sleep it off and went upstairs to grab something to eat. When we came back down, I looked around and said, “Where’s D?”
HE WAS GONE!
We searched the entire house, the yard, up and down the block. Nothing. No Dion!
Now remember, this was before cell phones. And there was no way I was calling his parents at 2 in the morning to say, “Hey, sorry to wake you, but we seem to have LOST DION!”
Turns out, D woke up, saw nobody around, decided the party was over, and WALKED HOME!
And this wasn’t just a block or two, either!
Somehow, he managed to stagger all the way home, only to pass out on the picnic table in his backyard!
To this day, I have absolutely no idea how the hell he made it home that night!
We gave him hell about that for YEARS! He nearly gave us a heart attack, and he thought the whole thing was hilarious!
That was Dion.
Being a Giants fan, I can tell you we talked some serious trash to each other about football! Thankfully, we saw eye to eye on baseball and hockey. But the great thing about D was that you could bust each other’s chops one minute, and the next minute everything was fine. No grudges, no hard feelings. He took everything in stride.
And that laugh! That unmistakable, mocking laugh he’d throw right back at you!
God, I’m going to miss that laugh.
Dion was also at my wedding, and he and my wife, Cathy, got along great.
There was a time when Cathy was working in New Jersey while I was still away at college in Rhode Island. She was staying at my parents’ house, so I said to Dion, “Hey D, take Cathy out one night. Get her out of the house and show her a good time.”
Well, in typical Dion fashion, without thinking it all the way through, he decided to take my future wife to Bazooka’s!
For those who don’t remember, imagine Hooters, only the waitresses were on roller skates!
Of ALL the places he could have taken her!
We busted his chops about that one for ages, too!
But here’s the thing. I never worried about Cathy being out with Dion. Not for a second. I knew he would treat her like a gentleman, make her laugh, and make sure she was safe.
Even if he did take her to a knockoff Hooters!
That’s the kind of guy D was. That’s the kind of friend he was.
The last time I saw Dion was at a big BBQ I had about ten years ago. It was one of the many parties he’d attended at my house over the years, although sadly, neither of us knew it would be the last.
He told me he was heading overseas to work for Boeing. I congratulated him, wished him well, and told him to keep in touch.
Unfortunately, life had other plans.
The years went by. Life got busy. We went in different directions, as people sometimes do.
And now, like so many others who have lost an old friend, I find myself wishing we’d had just one more BBQ, one more New Year’s Eve, one more football argument, or even just one more chance to sit down, have a drink, and laugh about the old days.
But here’s what I know.
Time and distance don’t erase nearly 40 years of friendship. They don’t erase the memories, the laughter, the ridiculous stories, or the bond we built growing up together.
Dion had a calm, even-tempered way about him, something I certainly wasn’t always known for! Looking back, I’m pretty sure his level head kept my hotheaded ass out of trouble more than once.
He was a good man. A loyal friend. Someone you could count on. Someone you could trust with the people you loved.
And someone who could take every bit of trash talk you threw at him and fire it right back with that damn laugh.
I am proud to say Dion Leanza wasn’t just my friend.
He was my brother.
And while I’m saddened that we won’t get to make any more memories together, I will forever be grateful for every one we made.
Rest easy, D.
Thank you for the friendship, the laughter, the memories, and for putting up with my crap all those years.
Love you, brother. Until we meet again.
P.S. I still don’t know how the hell you made it home that New Year’s Eve!
Long Nguyen
Our heart-felt condolences to family members of the Leanza’s and the Vus.
Thu Hương Nguyen
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Dion. My heart goes out to you Bé and our entire family during this incredibly difficult time.
Dion fought so bravely through these past many months, and I hope you can find some comfort knowing that he was surrounded by love and care. His time with us may have been cut short, but the love, memories, and beautiful moments he shared with his family and ours will remain forever in our hearts.
May God welcome Dion into His loving arms and grant him eternal rest. And may God give you strength, peace, and comfort in the days ahead.
With all our love and deepest sympathy. 🙏❤️
Anh Long, chị Hương và các cháu
Dan Dolan
My condolences to Marie, hers and Dion’s family at this difficult time.
Dion was a funny awesome dude. I’m glad to have known him and was able to call him my friend outside of a work relationship. God Bless, and Prayers. Rest Easy My Friend!
Jeffery Williams
We are extremely saddened to learn of the passing of D. In getting to know Marie, we can only imagine how genuine D was and continues to be inside of her. D fought the good fight and won his entrance into the great heavens. “I’m Free, praise the Lord. No longer bound, no more chains holding me, I am resting and it’s a blessing. Thank GOD I am free. Marie, stay up and encouraged.
Alexander Vu
We are heart broken with the passing of Dion. We will miss him dearly. He will always be in our hearts.
With love,
Alex, Tram, Quinn, Aidan Vu