Leonard John Zupon, age 12, was granted his angel wings on Sunday, August 31, 2014, following a tragic automobile accident in Old Forge, leaving his father critically injured. Born on February 15, 2002, in Scranton, to Leonard Joseph and Mary Jane Baronski Zupon of Old Forge and his constant sidekick Daisy, his dog. Lenny was a vibrant and full of energy child, who was always wanting to be on the go and not just sitting around. Lenny had the need to make sure he was aware of what was going on around him at all times, and had to have his input, one way or another, as he was very vocal. He enjoyed typical things that boys do. Making his yard a construction site, digging and creating with various types of Tonka trucks, along with many types of machinery to make his creation, “one of a kind”. He had a love to ride his bike, more so this summer, especially since he was allowed to go a little further on his own. He enjoyed working with his dad on his go cart, their Mustang, riding the lawnmower, the quad, helping with the pool. When it came time to creating or helping out to repair something, Lenny was there, eager and ready to go. With his Lego sets, he was unremarkable in the assembly of his creations of which he would say, “I am able to make this and I love the challenge of putting all of these little pieces together and creating a masterpiece”. The list could go on because Lenny was just full of life and energy and had a love to do just about anything. Lenny was anything but ordinary. He had an uncanny sense of humor, was extremely kind, wanted to help others in need, not just physically, but if there was a way to help, he would always donate. He was very much the type of child that everyone noticed and easy to get along with, for which he was loved by all. He had so many friends within his school community at All Saints Academy, where he greatly enjoyed attending and playing with, in the endless sport programs. He always looked forward to the Holy Cross Basketball and Baseball camps. Every instructor at the camps, in some way, knew who Lenny Zupon was. He was blessed with having so many friends and enjoyed his time with each and every one of them. He had so many friends that he could not wait until the weekend, especially when he was able to go to Dominick’s house to play, where it was like an amusement park, with so much to do. He didn’t get the chance very often, to be at a home where you would see real farm animals, work on trucks along with many other adventures. The ride home was always so interesting because he couldn’t wait to tell his mom and dad about the awesome things he did. Truly, this was a gift of love to Lenny, that God brought these special people into his life. Lenny just started 7th grade and was looking forward to all the new challenges that were ahead of him academically, especially in his favorite class, Math. The community at All Saints was another extension of his family, who he enjoyed being with at school, laser tag, movies, swimming and much more. He loved being there dearly. Sports were the top of his activity list. Basketball, baseball, bowling and cross country. Baseball was his true love of sports. In his first year of Old Forge Little League, he was asked, “would you like to be the catcher”? With no fear, he walked behind the plate and from then on, it was his love. On the field was his passion and he was just a natural behind the plate, giving his mom and dad so much pride every time he geared up. As his parents’ only child, Lenny was the light of their lives. “A perfect son”. Lenny would walk up to his mom or dad and wrap his arms around them, because he had to give them a hug. Tugging their heartstrings when he looked at them with his big brown eyes, tilted head and big smile. He filled their days with hope, humor and happiness. His parents have no words to say how much he did for them each and every day in his short time on this earth. Joining Lenny on his team in heaven are his paternal grandparents, Leonard (Poppy) and Susan Zupon, maternal grandparents, Joseph (Papa) and Dorothy (Mema) Baronski and cousin Michelle Coleman. Also surviving along with his parents are his aunts and uncles, Joseph and JoAnn Baronski, Scranton, Penny Fasulo, Scranton, Donna and John Matlock, Falls, Gene and Pam Baronski, Scranton, John and JoAnn Baronski, Old Forge, Sarah and Dan Rhue, Old Forge, John and Joni Zupon, Old Forge, Michael Zupon, Old Forge, Suellen and Todd Cook, Allentown, grandmother by great friendship, Caroline Basta, and grandmother and grandfather and brother by great friendship, Daniel, Donna and Thomas Witiak, Old Forge, great aunt and uncle, Marie and Rigo Bellucci, Florida, and great uncle Frank Stone, Scranton, along with many, many very special cousins. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, September 13th, at 11 am in St. Patrick’s Church, where Lenny served as an altar boy. Viewing for family and friends will be on Friday, 3 to 8 pm in the Edward J. Chomko Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 262 Railroad Avenue, West Scranton. Interment will be private in Holy Cross Cemetery. Anyone wishing to attend the funeral Mass is kindly asked to go directly to St. Patrick’s Church, 1403 Jackson St., Scranton, PA 18504. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Zupon Family Fund or the Leonard Zupon Scholarship Fund at All Saints Academy, 1425 Jackson St., Scranton, PA 18504.Even though little Lenny’s dad is unable to speak the words, Lenny’s Mom and Dad send their most sincere gratitude to all who came in contact with little Lenny and for the unbelievable support given to him by the responders at the scene of the accident, to the staff at Geisinger/CMC and Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, for making sure their little boy was never alone and took care of him from the moment he entered the emergency room under their care. TO LENNY: Mommy and Daddy have no words to say to you that will bring you back, but we are so blessed that we were able to enjoy you each and every day for the short period God gave you to us. Until we meet again
