Leonard B. Pretko, age 91, of Dover, Delaware passed away July 24, 2022 from natural causes.

Lenny was born January 30, 1931 in Dickson City, Pennsylvania. In his early years, he loved to spend time on the family farm which cultivated a strong work ethic and was a source for many of his fond memories. The family later moved to Jersey City, NJ and during his senior year of high school he enlisted in the Air Force in 1949 with his twin brother, Benny. Later he earned his GED while stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii. He ended his service in the Air Force in 1955 with the rank of Staff Sergeant but was on the promotion list for Tech Sergeant if he re-enlisted.

Upon leaving the service, Lenny worked for Hayden Stone Financial in NYC as an operations manager until the company closed. He then went on to work as a Letter Carrier for the United States Postal Service in Ridgewood, NJ for 22 years until his retirement in 1993.

Lenny was a Roman Catholic who loved to say his rosary daily and instilled a love for God in his family. His love of family was evident in all aspects of his life, especially in the care he provided for others and in the hospitality he shared. He played in an adult softball league and bowling league for many years. Ballroom dancing and playing billiards with family and friends were among his favorite activities. Throughout his life he was a fan of all sports, especially the Yankees, and he was an avid lover of UFO theories. He loved playing Quirkle and Poker with his grandchildren, and enjoyed sharing in their interests, especially sports and the performing arts. A gregarious person, he loved to laugh, meet, and talk to new people everywhere he went. Above all else, he adored and was devoted to his wife.

Lenny is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Alicia, one daughter Evelyn Pratt, two sons John Pretko and Joseph Pretko, his son-in-law David Pratt, his daughter-in-law Susan Pretko, three grandchildren Julia, Jessica and Alexander Pratt. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Pearl Pretko, sisters Theresa Yanick and Antoinette Marsh, and brothers Edward Pretko and Bernard Pretko.

A memorial service is planned for Friday, July 29, 2022 at 11am at The Immaculate Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church, 47 Island Road, Mahwah, NJ. The interment to follow, at a later date in early August, at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road in Bear, Delaware.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research at stopsarcoidosis.org

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www.matthewsbryson.com

Arrangements are by Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Smyrna.