Leonard Carbone 1960-2025

He was born in Niles to first-generation Italian Americans, Lou and Evelyn Carbone. The youngest of three boys, Lennie was gregarious and precocious. He loved reading about animals, especially dogs and wolves, and he adored his dog, Queenie. He attended grade school at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School in Niles and high school at Warren JFK, where he was active in the marching and concert bands. Lennie went on to earn college degrees from Salem College in West Virginia and the University of Akron. He taught composition classes as an adjunct English professor at Kent State and Akron University for years before deciding to earn licensure to teach K-12. He substitute-taught in Akron Public Schools, much-appreciated for accepting even the most difficult jobs, before finding employment at Norwayne Local Schools, teaching high school English and later, K-4 supplemental reading.

Whether teaching college, high school or elementary students, in settings urban or rural, Lennie gave every student his full effort and respect, inspiring many to their own careers in education. He was passionate about literature and language, but he also loved the relationship-building aspect of teaching. He formed close friendships with many of his colleagues, especially Eric Mast, Stan Lehman, Sam Hornak and Aaron Arnold. His career was cut short when he became permanently disabled following a brain tumor and stroke in 2002.

Although Lennie’s only marriage to Julia Steiner ended in divorce, he loved being a parent to their child, Callilah “Alex” Carbone. He was the main caregiver for the first two years of Alex’s life, a role he cherished despite its demands. Alex’s aptitude for and love of all music can be traced back to formative years spent listening to Johnny Cash, John Prine, Loudon Wainwright III and Bob Dylan with Lennie. In later years, Lennie and Alex liked to hear live music in and around Akron, especially Mike Lenz at Northside and open mic at the Houston Pub in Norton.

Lennie was endlessly proud of Alex’s musical, artistic and academic accomplishments.

Lennie’s other hobbies included reading, fine dining, grilling, spending time with friends and cheering for Cleveland sports teams. He was proud of his Italian heritage and he learned the Italian language in college before traveling to Italy to meet extended family. He prided himself on cooking delicious, authentic meatballs and homemade sauce.

Lennie will be remembered for his quick wit, his outgoing personality, and his love for children and animals.

Lennie is survived by his cat, C.T.; his only child, Callilah “Alex” Carbone of Hudson; his brother, Lew (Kathy) Carbone of Norwalk; sister-in-law, Nancy Carbone of Niles; close family friend, Susan Heatherington of McKeesport, Pa.; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Larry.

Memorial donations may be made to One of a Kind Pet Rescue, a no-kill shelter in Akron.

Friends may call 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at the Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles.

Arrangements are being handled by the Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles.

Family and friends can visit www.josephrossifuneralhome.com to view this obituary and send condolences to Lennie’s family.

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