Obituary of Ida G. Leonardi

Ida G. (Costa) Leonardi, age 98, of Bridgeport passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, August 1, 2026. She was the beloved wife of the late Joseph Leonardi. Born in Bridgeport on November 26, 1927 she was a daughter of the late Louis and Mary (Guadagno) Costa. Mrs. Leonardi was a woman of great faith and the majority of her enjoyments and activities revolved around living that faith. As a life long member of St. Raphael Church in Bridgeport, she was instrumental in the formation of the Neocatechumenal Way in Connecticut. On numerous occasions she served as a host family for seminarians from all over the world that have gone on to become priests. She was also a literacy volunteer and tutored foreign students at the University of Bridgeport.

She had a passion for music as a semi-professional opera singer performing often in the Gilbert and Sullivan productions in Stratford, CT and sang for many years in the church choir and other groups. She produced a record of her beautiful voice in the 1940's. Our house was filled with music our entire lives along with the abundance of amazing dishes she prepared for her family, friends and anyone in need. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to many. As she prayed daily for the intentions of so many who were so touched by her faith she was an example for us to follow.

One of the greatest lessons she taught us our entire lives was that "gold is refined by fire". In life we go through many trials and tribulations and that having faith in Our Lord Jesus Christ we will triumph.

She is survived by her loving children, Jeannette Leonardi of Bridgeport who was her main caregiver who tenderly cared form our mother, Juliana Spaziani (Allen) of CT, Christina Pereiro of Trumbull and Gino Leonardi of NY, her cherished grandchildren, Victoria Reynolds (Ben) of NC, Angelica Taylor (Gary) of VT, Maria Wright (Charlie) of NC, Andrea Leonardi (Blake Allen) of NY, Gino Leonardi, Jr. of FL, Adriana Gill (Travis) of CT, Nicholas Pereiro of CT and Jospeh Pereiro of CT, as was as nine adoring great grandchildren. In addition to her husband Joseph, she was also predeceased by her son-in-law, Daniel Pereiro and nine brothers and sisters.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Raphael Church, 162 Oak St., Bridgeport. Interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Trumbull. Friends may greet the family on Thursday, August 6, 2026 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. directly in St. Raphael Church, Bridgeport. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Redemptoris Mater Diocesan Missionary Seminary of Bridgeport, 894 Newfield Ave., Stamford, CT 06905. Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, Trumbull is in care of the arrangements and online condolences may be left at www.abriola.com.