Leonard "Leo" Catanzaro

Leonard James “Leo” Catanzaro Jr., 87, of St. Louis, Missouri, died peacefully at home on August 31, 2026, surrounded by his family following a brief illness.

Leo was born July 3, 1939, in St. Louis to Leonard J. Catanzaro Sr. and Gaetaia (Anna) Catanzaro. He graduated from Labouré High School in 1958 and, following graduation, served his country in the United States Coast Guard, receiving an honorable discharge.

Leo spent much of his professional life in the St. Louis produce industry. He founded Catanzaro Produce and later Midstate Produce. On Produce Row, Leo was a familiar presence—known by name on the docks and respected by those who worked alongside him throughout the market.

An avid athlete, Leo enjoyed playing both softball and golf. He also loved traveling, St. Louis Cardinals baseball, history, good food, and, above all, spending time with his family and friends. He will be remembered for the life he built, the friendships he made, and the devotion he had to those closest to him.

Leo was preceded in death by his parents and his brother and sister-in-law, Anthony and Norma Catanzaro.

He is survived by Deborah Catanzaro; his children, Chris Catanzaro, Catherine and Ted Levy, Leonard III (Buddy) and Megan Catanzaro, and Frank Catanzaro; and his grandchildren, Nicholas, Francesca, Cecilia, Katalina, and Anniston.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Saint Louis English Bulldog Rescue at stlbulldogrescue.org.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Anselm Catholic Church, 430 South Mason Road, Creve Coeur, Missouri 63141, followed by burial at Bellerive Gardens Cemetery, 740 North Mason Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63141.