Leonard "Len" W. Mecca, 84, of Jupiter, Fla., died Tuesday, March 22, 2011 in Erie surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Waterbury, Conn., on February 9, 1927, the son of the late, William and Margaret Santarsiero Mecca. He received his BS Degree in Chemistry from Tufts University and his Pharmacy degree from the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy. Len loved music, especially jazz, and was an accomplished pianist. He loved all aspects of life especially the sciences and was always trying to learn as much as he could. His love of poetry and poets enabled him to recite many poems by heart. In his early years, he loved to pilot planes. Len was a very warm, loyal, calming, and caring person who gave the correct advice to anyone who asked for it. His sense of humor was genuine and he would laugh at himself many times. He taught by example and was very optimistic. He loved golf and was an inventor who received a patent. He was especially proud of his two sons and their accomplishments. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Elizabeth "Betty" Avellani Mecca; two sons, Dr. William L. Mecca and his wife, Amber, of Fairview, Dr. Andrew L. Mecca and his wife, Tracy, of Millcreek; three grandchildren, Isabel, Gian, and Nicolas Mecca; two sisters, Mildred Mecca and Catherine Rocco, both of Waterbury, Conn.; one brother, Anthony Mecca, and his wife, Jeanette, of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Leonardo, Antonio, and Domenic Mecca. Friends may call at the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd., on Friday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. A private funeral service and interment at Laurel Hill Cemetery will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Church, 2801 W. 6th St., Erie, PA 16505.
(the Erie Times-News on March 24, 2011 ).