Leonard Michael Moritz Jr., aged 76, passed away peacefully at home, with his wife Judith by his side on September 30th, 2024, in Holiday, Florida. Leonard is survived by his wife, Judith Moritz; his brother, Michael Moritz (wife, Beth); his stepdaughter, Julie Watson, her husband Julio Gomez, and their child, Leonardo. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard Moritz, Sr. and Rita Rooney, and his brother, William Moritz. Born on October 25th, 1947, in Buffalo, New York, Leonard was a graduate of Maryvalle High School in Cheektowaga, and furthered his education at Buffalo State University.
Leonard proudly served in the United Sates Army from 1966 to 1969. During his enlistment, he completed Advanced Airborne Training at Fort Bragg and Ranger Training at Fort Benning. After his deployment to Vietnam, he was awarded multiple decorations, medals, badges and commendations including the Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Air Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and campaign ribbons. He received an honorable discharge. After returning home, he joined the Erie County Sheriff ‘s Department Marine Division. Eventually, Leonard moved to the Tampa Bay area, where he embarked on a successful career in sales and service within the recreational industries.
Leonard was passionate about his hobbies, which included hunting and fishing, golf, boating, carpentry, and cars and most importantly, cooking.
A memorial to honor Leonard’s life will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at Dobies Funeral Home, 4910 Bartelt Rd, Holiday, FL, gathering starting at 12 pm to 1:30 pm, immediately followed by the service.
A luncheon will be hosted by the family at the American Legion Post 173, 4550 Bartelt Rd, Holiday, FL, at 3 pm.
The family also plans to announce a future memorial in his hometown of Buff alo, New York at a later date.
In lieu of fl owers or charitable donations, the family welcomes remembrances through a monetary gift or the GoFundMe fundraiser that has been created to honor Leonard’s memory and legacy. https://gofund.me/1a6570f1
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude for all of those who have supported them during this time of loss.
Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home - Holiday Chapel
Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home - Holiday Chapel
Rick Spencer
October 5, 2024, 12:36 pm
My condolences to Lenny’s family. He was a great friend and fraternity brother. We had many great times together that I will never forget and I know I speak for all of our frat brothers. RIP my friend.
David Reid
October 5, 2024, 1:16 pm
So sad, my condolences 🙏 to the Moritz family. A good friend who will be missed. Another angel grew his wings. Rest in peace my fraternity brother
Daniel Walsh
October 5, 2024, 1:21 pm
I will miss this guy as I miss my own brother. He was a friend, a partner and a fellow soldier. We went through high school together. Met in Vietnam a couple times. I even went and worked for him for a while. He will be immensely missed by all his friends back here in Buffalo. His wonderful wife and relatives. We will truly miss him. God bless
Daniel Walsh
October 5, 2024, 1:27 pm
Lenny will be missed by many people, mostly his wife, relatives and all his frat Brothers from lambda. He was a great friend, a great soldier and a great husband I have too many stories to tell that I could fill this page forever as a true friend, Lenny always had your back and that’s one thing I will never forget May God bless him
Paul J Rooney
October 5, 2024, 8:00 pm
Len was my cousin. He and his brothers and my brothers spent a lot of time growing up together in Buffalo. I hadn’t seen him for many years, then by coincidence my wife Jill and I became snowbirds in Tarpon Springs Florida in the town right next to Holiday. We’ve been able to connect, share family memories, and truly connect after lots of time apart. Lens mom was my father’s sister…so reminiscing was fun.
Len was a good man, he was a soldier for our country and loved his wife Judie. We’ll miss you Cuz. Rest in the peace you deserve.
Sonny Travis
October 11, 2024, 2:43 pm
My condolence to his wife Judie and family it’s a sad time. Here’s a story about Lenny and I shared with his brother Michael. In 1960 7th grade history class. I was accused of taking the Christmas tree from the lobby and taking it to the men’s room by the teacher. Then in the back of the classroom Lenny stood up and said it wasn’t Sonny it was me. That’s the type of guy Lenny was and I remember. Later in 1963 we became fraternity brothers for Sigma Lambda Phi along with alot of hand picked great guys in Lambda. WE were all very Fortunet to have him in our life’s
Rob (McGloin) Stachowski
October 11, 2024, 2:58 pm
My condolences to Len’s family. His loss will leave a void in many hearts. Len was a family friend from Crystal Beach. He had a great influence on my life getting me involved in Emergency Medical Services and eventually an RN. Without Lens guidance, I wouldn’t be the man I am today. Thank you Len for being a caring and giving person. May you rest in peace my friend.
Nina Nolan
October 12, 2024, 12:53 pm
Heartfelt condolences to Judie and the extended Moritz family on the loss of Lenny…he was a warrior in many times in his life and in death. He was the L❤️VE of Judie’s life for sure! Always loved sharing Mitchell’s golf adventures with him! Hugs and Love to Judie, Julie, Julio, Leo !
Melody Griffith
October 12, 2024, 3:25 pm
Sending condolences to Lenny’s family, especially his wife Judie. I’ve worked with Judie for the past eight years, and I know how devoted they were to each other. Thinking of you guys during this difficult time. Due to the hurricane, I’m unable to attend the service, but I will be there in spirit, praying for comfort and peace. Love you Judie❤️
Betty Massell
October 12, 2024, 4:59 pm
My deepest condolences to you and your family Judie. May Lenny Rest In Eternal Peace.