Dr. Leonard Infranca

Dr. Leonard Infranca and grandchild

Dr. Leonard Joseph Infranca, 73, of Garden City died on April 20th, 2007 at Winthrop University Hospital from heart complications related to an April 3rd fall resulting from a subdural hematoma. Dr. Infranca worked his entire career as an orthopedic surgeon on Long Island, first in private practice in Mineola and later as a staff surgeon for the Nassau County Police Department.

Leonard Infranca was born at home in Williamsburg, Brooklyn on January 3, 1934, the child of Jack J. Infranca and Lena (Accardi) Infranca . His family moved to Cambria Heights, Queens, in 1942, where he attended Andrew Jackson High School, graduating in 1952. He entered Queens College, and after transferring, graduated early from Hofstra University in 1955.

While attending high school and college, Infranca worked in a variety of positions, including as a Good Humor Ice Cream man on the Boardwalk in Long Beach; a clerk at Smiling Brothers Produce Stores in St. Albans, Queens and Hempstead Village; an attendant at the original Theater at Jones Beach State Park; as a Krugs' Bakery home delivery driver; and as an aide at a New York City detention center for troubled youth.

After college he moved to Chicago to attend medical school at Loyola University's Stritch School of Medicine, graduating in 1959. He completed his internship and surgical residency at Meadowbrook Hospital (now the Nassau County Medical Center) and pursued his orthopedic residency through a combined program at Meadowbrook Hospital, Nassau Hospital (now Winthrop University Hospital) and St. Charles Hospital in Port Jefferson. Infranca entered the Medical Corps of the United State Army Reserve in 1961, rising to the rank of Captain before receiving an honorable discharge in 1967.

A Diplomat of the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Dr. Infranca was an attending physician at the Winthrop University Hospital and the Mercy Medical Center in Rockville Centre. In 1975 he invented and patented a pediatric corrective device to treat children with turned-in feet. He maintained a private practice in Mineola from 1966 until 2004 and continued to work as a full-time staff surgeon for the Nassau County Police Department until his death.

In 1966 Infranca married Lea Ann Trentalange of Garden City, New York, who at the time was a nurse at Nassau Hospital. A few years after their marriage they purchased the Garden City home of Lea Ann's parents, Orthodontic Dentist James T. and Ellen Trentalange, where Infranca lived until his passing. They had three children together: Leonard John, born in 1967, Lea Ellen Marie, born in 1969, and John James, born in 1977. The children all attended St. Joseph's School in Garden City, where the family was actively involved in parish life and school fundraising functions. Leonard and Lea Ann separated in 1993.

Leonard enjoyed regular vacations with family and friends at Woodloch Pines Resort in Hawley, Pennsylvania and at a summer home in Cutchogue, on the North Fork of Long Island. He was a long-time New York Islanders season ticket holder and enjoyed attending games with his two sons. He was also a fan of thoroughbred racing and an active member of the New York Racing Association's Turf and Field Club, as well as a partial owner of a thoroughbred horse named "The Dell." His other hobbies and interests included playing cards and other games with family and friends, video photography, casino gaming, and golf. From his days as social chairman of his medical school fraternity, Lenny, as he was know to friends, enjoyed planning and hosting social gatherings. A talented singer, he was best known for his rendition of "Danny Boy," which he regularly sang at family functions. A student and aficionado of history, Infranca also enjoyed engaging in lively discussions of politics and current events.

Remaining family members include: son, Leonard J. Infranca and daughter-in-law Amy Elias of Plainsboro, New Jersey; daughter Lea Ellen Collins, son-in-law Kevin and grandsons Brandon and Trent also of Plainsboro, New Jersey; son John J. Infranca of Manhattan; brother John J. Infranca and wife Rosemarie of New Hyde Park; aunt, Grace deNeufeld and her husband, Fred, of Howard Beach, his long-time companion Barbara Eddington of Manhasset, and numerous cousins, nephews and nieces.

Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated on April 25, 2007 at St. Joseph's Church in Garden City. Dr. Infranca was honored by pall bearers, a color guard, bagpipers, and numerous officers from the Nassau County Police Department. The wake was held at Fairchild and Sons Funeral Home in Garden City and internment was at Holy Rood Cemetery in Westbury, where Leonard was buried with his parents.

Infranca's family has asked that friends wishing to remember and acknowledge his passing make donations to: Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine; c/o Loyola University Health System; Office of Development; 2160 S. First Ave; Maguire Center, Room 3405; Maywood, IL 60153.