Leonard "Lenny" Zuravnsky

Leonard “Lenny” Zuravnsky, 83, passed away peacefully at his home in Mahwah, NJ, on May 2, 2026, surrounded by his family.

He was born in Scranton, PA, on July 3, 1942, to Stephen Chester Zuravnsky and Henrietta Amejka Zuravnsky. Although the family had already relocated to Jersey City, NJ, Henrietta returned by train to Scranton to give birth to Lenny at her mother’s home. His three younger siblings were born in New Jersey.

Lenny attended Sacred Heart Grammar School and Snyder High School in Jersey City. His mother often said of him, even into adulthood, “He’s always getting into trouble!” Yet with the twinkle in his baby blue eyes—a spark he carried throughout his life—and his natural charm, he always managed to find his way out of those situations.

A dedicated and hardworking man with a steady, stoic presence, Lenny became a proud member of UA Local 475 Steamfitters, alongside his three brothers and later other family members. He spent the majority of his career at Anheuser-Busch in Newark, NJ, from August 4, 1967, to April 1, 2000. Lenny was well respected in his craft and was always someone people wanted to work with. He was the ultimate “Mr. Fix-It,” always willing to lend a hand to family and friends.

Lenny loved the outdoors and was an avid, skilled hunter. His brother Al and the friends he hunted with could never keep up with his hiking ability and stamina—a fact they continued to joke about even when he was 82 years old. He also enjoyed fishing, gardening, watching soccer, and dancing.

In 1968, Lenny proudly moved to Cranford, NJ, where he raised his two children, and later lived in Linden, NJ. Above all, he was a family man. He made his son-in-law, Timothy Day, feel like a son. One of his greatest joys was becoming a grandfather—known as “Pop”—to Courtney Anne (born 1997) and Timothy Leonard (born 1999). He was incredibly proud of them and deeply involved in their lives, attending and cheering on their sports and activities. This same love extended to his three step-grandchildren, Derek, Reese, and Kyle. Pop beamed with pride whenever he was with any of them.

Lenny found the love of his life, Joanne, at the Colorado Café, brought together by their shared love of dancing. An exquisite dancer, Lenny found his perfect partner in Joanne. Together, they moved effortlessly across the dance floor, often leaving others wondering if they were professionals. After eight years together, they were married Nov.17,2007. They shared 18 wonderful years of marriage, filled with adventure, laughter, and, of course, dancing.

Lenny is survived by his loving wife, Joanne; his devoted children, Debra Day (Timothy) and Leonard Zuravnsky; his cherished grandchildren, Courtney Anne Day (Lauren) and Timothy Leonard Day (Lauren); his stepdaughter, Diana Asner (Ricky); and his step-grandchildren, Derek, Reese, and Kyle. He is also survived by his siblings, Theresa Ertle; Maryanne Reilly (Jack); and Alexander Zuravnsky (Claire). He was predeceased by his brothers, Stephen “Sonny” Zuravnsky and James “Jimmy” Zuravnsky.

He will be remembered as a man of few words who made everyone around him feel safe and comfortable, and who showed a gentle, softer side to those he loved.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center mskcc.org for pancreatic cancer research or to an ITP-related charity.

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