Leonard Joseph Bukowski Sr, 90, of Elsmere, Delaware passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family on Dec. 4, 2025.
Born in Wilmington, DE on May 28, 1935, he was the youngest of three children born of his late parents, Stanley and Helen Bukowski (Pajrowski). Leonard was a graduate of Brown Vocational High School, where he excelled in playing football. After high school, Leonard joined the United States Marine Corp and served his country honorably.
He has been married to the love of his life, Marge, since 1958. As a father, he was very active in the community, coaching Corpus Christi football, umpiring for the local little league, and, most notably, keeping the kids of Locust Avenue in check. Nobody messed with Buka! His favorite passions were his pool, the beach, football, holidays, and crabbing. He would crab every Saturday during the summer and share his catch with anyone who was willing to clean a crab properly. Most of all, his passion was his family!
Leonard started his work career at Chicago Bridge & Iron in New Castle, DE for 23 years. He then went to work for New Castle County Parks and Recreation until he retired in 2005. He truly enjoyed working for the County, making many great friends and fond memories. Leonard's family, though, was truly the center of his life, and his greatest joy was caring for his wife and the happiness of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchild. He loved holiday traditions, and just being together with family made him happy.
Leonard is preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Helen Bukowski; brother, Joseph Bukowski; sister-in-law, Ann Bukowski; sister, Adele Sosienski (Gilson); brother-in-law, Al Sosienski; and daughter-in-law, Ann Louise Bukowski (Cross).
Leonard is survived by his wife of 67 years, Marge; his three children, Monica Sellers (David) of Newark, DE, Lenny Bukowski (Tara) of Wilmington, DE, Kenny Bukowski (Maureen) of Rehoboth Beach, DE; his grandchildren, Kimberly, Julie, Michael, Lauren, Andrew, Louise, Robert, Cameron, Olivia; and great grandchild, Noor.
Family and friends are invited to the visitation at Corpus Christi Church, Elsmere, DE, 905 New Road, Wilmington, DE, on Thursday Dec.11 from 9 - 11 am. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am. Interment will be held privately at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Leonard may be made to Corpus Christi Church, Wilmington, DE, 901 East Newport Pike, Wilmington, DE 19804.