It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Leonarda Di Mauro. Surrounded by her family, she passed away at the age of 80 years old in New York City on Saturday December 27th. She was born on October 23, 1945 in Ramacca, Italy to Maria Di Stefano and Francesco Di Mauro and moved to the United States when she was 12 years old with her family seeking the American dream.
Leonarda, commonly known by her family members as Zia Nella, was a woman of great faith, strength and courage. Her spirituality led her through her daily life and truly was her life’s dedication. Her love for the arts was profound, spending nearly 35 years working in various roles at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She was also an art gallery owner and interfaith minister, where she fostered new artists and spread her love through faith and spirit. When she wasn’t focused on religion and the arts, her love for travel and food was a guiding force of entertainment and enjoyment. She truly treasured life’s little joys and experiences, savoring every minute she had on this earth.
Her love for her family and friends ran deep. She is survived by her three brothers Jack, Salvatore and Franco, her sister Ninetta, and her sister-in-law Yvonne, along with a multitude of family members in Italy. More importantly, she was an aunt and great aunt to Marisa, Christina, Frank, Sophia, Cameron, Thomas and Logan. She fostered a deep bond with each of them in so many ways that are too long to be listed. And lastly, her strong friendships with so many dear friends held over the 80 years of her life were one of a kind. She was beloved by all who met her and she will be so greatly missed.
A private viewing will be held at 8:45am at Fred H. McGrath Funeral Home, 20 Cedar Street, Bronxville, New York followed by a funeral procession to Woodlawn Cemetery, 4199 Webster Avenue, Bronx, New York. A blessing will occur in the Woolworth Chapel, Woodlawn Cemetery at 10am followed by interment.
May she rest in peace.
Condolence(1)-
Deborah Blank says
March 14, 2026 at 3:22 pmI just heard about the passing of my dear friend,
Leonarda, whom I will miss dearly. I send my heartfelt condolences to her brother, sister-in-law, nieces and nephews. Leonarda was a treasure, who kept in close touch with me since we met at her museum in 1995. Even though. I have lived in 3 countries since then, we never.lost touch with each other. She last called me in early December….…May she rest in peace knowing how much she was loved and appreciated.