Leonardo "Leo" Giribaldi

August 11, 1942 - April 29, 2025

Leonardo Giribaldi, age 82 of Fort Myers, Florida, formerly of Newark, Delaware, passed peacefully unto the Lord on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.

Born in Finale Liguria, Italy, he was the son of the late Giuseppe Giribaldi and Serafina Saccaone. ­­­­

Leo traveled the world as a matradee on a cruise ship. While working on a Bermuda cruise, he met the love of his life, Shirley Ann Chappelle. Leo and Shirl married on February 26, 1979. In 1986 Leo and Shirl established a business at Booths Corner Farmer's Market, Boothwyn, PA a place where he could once again live out his passion for bringing joy to people through food. As owner of "La Buona Cucina", his personal connections with everyone created a legacy that remains very much a part of the fabric of Booth's Corner and the generations of families he served.

Leonardo and Shirley filled their lives with family, friends, food, and travel. While they traveled the world, visiting many exotic places, returning "home" to Finale Liguria, Italy to be with his brother Giorgio, sister-in-law Eliana, niece Monica, family, and friends, brought him the greatest joy and fondest memories. Leo was an avid tennis player, proudly winning singles and doubles championships, while living at Heritage Palms, in Ft Myers.

Whether traveling, sitting around the table playing cards, or sipping fine wine and sharing stories, Leo showered those closest to him with love and friendship. Along the way, Leo created lasting friendships and many friends became family. Phyllis and Aldo Palumbo, Linda and Richard Pini, Ann and Michael Hurley, Lidia and Orio Draghicchio, as well as Sergio Peña Ocampo (Claudia) and Kevin Pastore (Jenna) who Leo often referred to "as his sons by love". While too many to name, those in Delaware, Ft Myers, and afar, will carry fond memories of the joy and laughter they all shared. Leonardo's family expresses immense gratitude to everyone who embraced Leo in the years since Shirl's passing.

Leonardo is survived by his son Alessandro and wife Deanna, daughter-in-law Sonia Giribaldi-Kerr, and four grandchildren Valentina, Nicolas, Liliana, and Anthony. Leo was preceded in death by his parents, Giuseppe and Serafina, adoring wife Shirley Giribaldi, and nephew (son) Massimo Giribaldi.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on May 30th at 11 A.M. at St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church, 9th and Dupont Streets, Wilmington, DE 19805. In memory of Leo, in lieu of flowers, spend an evening with loved ones enjoying great food, wine, sharing stories and laughter.