Leonard W. “Len” Earl, Jr.

Leonard W. Earl, Jr. (Len) of New Castle, DE, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, on October 15, 2022.

Len was born in Passaic, NJ to his parents Marie J. (Scucci) Earl and Leonard W. Earl, Sr. on September 10, 1951, where he lived. They moved to New Castle, DE when he was 5 years old. He later attended William Penn High School, where he was a member of the band and marching band, playing drums and oboe. Len was a business manager and broadcaster for the college’s radio station; he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Delaware. Additionally, Len played the organ, especially at weddings for his friends.

Following his college graduation, Len used his degree and the skills that he acquired to work for several companies, including Getty Oil, Johnson Controls, and FMC Biopolymer. He additionally worked as a substitute teacher prior to employment for these companies; he often shared stories with his daughter of what he had experienced while substitute teaching, especially in his final days.

Len met his devoted wife, Margaret, at Our Lady of Fatima Church (OLF), where they later married on October 3, 1981.  He was an active parishioner at OLF, serving in various roles as a lector, a member of Parish Council, liturgy committee, renovation committee, and was an active member of the June Fair Finance Committee for several years. More recently, he became a 3^rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus.

Len was also a dedicated dad to his only child. They attended school events as a family as well as joined the Dickinson Theatre Organ Society (DTOS) after attending several concerts hosted by the organization. Len previously held a treasurer position for DTOS; he had served as a key member of the Board of Directors for approximately 20 years, until his death.

Len often loved to tinker and was sometimes known as “Mr. Fix It.” Even as a young child, he would take items apart and put them back together. He helped to renovate the family house; when he was no longer physically able to repair items, he could describe exactly how to do so as well as indicate where the needed parts were located.

Len is survived by his wife, Margaret, of 41 years, as well as his daughter, Christie. He additionally loved his furry grandson, Tiger, Christie’s cat. He is preceded in death by his parents, Marie and Len Earl, Sr. He is also survived by his three goddaughters: Leslie Piromalli, Alexis Woods (Hagerty), and Marissa Rossi, as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 3 pm until 5 pm on Sunday, October 23, 2022 at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE. A second visitation will be held from 9 am until 10 am on Monday, October 24, 2022 at the funeral home, a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 am at Our Lady of Fatima Roman Catholic Church, 801 North DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery, 6001 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Dickinson Theatre Organ Society (PO Box 5094, Wilmington, DE 19808) or to Padua Academy (905 N. Broom St., Wilmington, DE) would be appreciated. The family would also like to express deepest thanks to Encompass Health Rehabilitation and Bayada Hospice.