Leonard Gherardi

   Leonard J. Gherardi, 92, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2026. He was born on January 28, 1934, in Evergreen Park, Illinois, to Primo Gherardi and Minnie (Olenti) Gherardi, proud Italian immigrants whose values of faith, hard work, and devotion to family shaped the course of his life.

   In 1948, Leonard moved with his family to LaPorte, Indiana, where he graduated from LaPorte High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business from Indiana University Bloomington and later a graduate degree from Loyola University Chicago. He valued education deeply and carried its discipline and perspective with him throughout his life.

   Leonard met Jeannette Gherardi (Nicosia) while studying at Indiana University, and the two became inseparable. They were married in Chicago, IL in 1955 and enjoyed 47 loving years of marriage until Jeannette’s death in 2002.

   Len enlisted in the United States Navy in 1956 and proudly served his country in the fighting Sea Bees. Following his active duty, he continued his service in the reserves while beginning his professional career, balancing military commitment with civilian leadership.  He remained in the reserves until 1982, retiring with the rank of Captain. Throughout his Navy career, assignments brought him and Jeannette to Chula Vista, California; Pittsfield, Massachusetts; and ultimately to Mishawaka, Indiana, where they established their home. He later served as Officer in Charge of the South Bend Naval Armory, a responsibility he carried with dedication and pride.

   After his military service, Leonard devoted himself to public service. As Director of Redevelopment for the City of Mishawaka for more than 30 years, he played a central role in numerous urban renewal and redevelopment initiatives that helped transform and strengthen the community. He also served on the Board of Public Works and Safety and as President of the Indiana Chapter of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials. Earlier in his career, he worked for Marshall Field & Company. He believed strongly in civic responsibility and worked tirelessly to improve the city he loved. He retired from the City of Mishawaka in 1998.

   Leonard married Rose “Pody” Gherardi (Kaiser) in 2007, and they shared 19 years together enjoying retired life. 

   He is survived by his loving daughters, Anne (Bruce) Trant and Lisa (Andy) Daniels. Nothing brought Len greater pride than his family. He was a devoted and cherished grandfather to Christopher (Lyndsey) Trant, Connor (Alli) Trant, Drew Daniels, Caroline (Nick) Chambers, Matthew Daniels, Emily Daniels, and Catherine Trant. He reminded his daughters and grandchildren to embrace each day and to make laughter part of daily life. With his warm disposition and positive outlook, he served as a trusted counselor whose steady guidance and wisdom were sought and appreciated by many.

   Leonard is also survived by his sister, Loretta Vannoni, along with five cherished nieces and nephews and many extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wives, Jeannette and Rose; his sister, Lois Gherardi; and his brother-in-law, Zano Vannoni.

   A longtime member and auditor of the DeAmici Club, Leonard valued deeply the friendships and fellowship it brought into his life and remained proud of his Italian heritage.

   Leonard will be remembered as a loving and caring man whose life was defined by service — to his country, to his community, and above all, to his family. His legacy endures in the city he helped shape and in the family who will carry forward his strength, humor, wisdom, and unwavering devotion.

   A visitation will be held on Sunday, March 8, 2026, from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Eastern Standard Time at Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, March 9, 2026, at 1:00 PM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 220 W. 4th Street, Mishawaka. Entombment will follow at Fairview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the Gherardi family would prefer that donations be made in Leonard's memory to a charity that is close to their heart. A memorial fund with St. Jude children hospital has been set up for Leonard, use this link to donate. In Memory of Leonard J. Gherardi 

   To leave an online condolence or share a memory, please visit www.hahnfuneralhomes.com.

Please Note: March 8th is Daylight Savings Day

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