04/07/2026
Leonardo “Leon” “Junior” Veto Dicandio, Jr., age 85, of Starke, Florida passed away on April 5, 2026, at Custead Care Center in Orange Park, Florida. Leon was born in Starke, Florida on September 2, 1940, to the late Leonardo Veto Dicandio, Sr. and Margaret Mary Higginbotham Dicandio. As a lifelong resident, Leon held a deep love for his community and took great pride in the place he called home. On October 27, 1960, he married the love of his life, Thelma June Boatwright. Together they shared 57 wonderful years of marriage and built a legacy that includes three beloved children, 12 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter. Family was at the heart of everything Leon did. He took immense pride in his roles as a husband, father, grandfather, and provider, and nothing brought him greater joy than gathering with loved ones and creating lasting memories together. From a young age, Leon demonstrated a strong work ethic that carried him through a lifetime of dedication and entrepreneurship. He began his career in the concrete industry, later serving as a manager at Krystal and working with Southern Bakery. Driven by ambition and a strong desire to serve his community, Leon went on to own and operate Leon’s Snack Bar and Sinclair Gas Station for several years. He was affectionately known as the “Bread Man,” delivering bread for Flowers Baking Company, a role through which he became a familiar and friendly face throughout the area. Leon later concluded his working years as the owner and operator of Starke Video in Middleburg. In his free time, Leon found peace and happiness outdoors. He enjoyed fishing, farming, riding his golf cart, and working with his hands—always staying busy and productive. Above all, he treasured family reunions and any opportunity to be surrounded by those he loved. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Thelma June Dicandio; parents; and siblings, Lawrence Rogers, Addie Reynolds, Mary Geiger, Josephine Corillo, James Nelson, Bertia Faircloth, Michelo Dicandio, Thelma Denmark, Selma Jones, Angelina Eddings, and Millie Rose Dicandio.
Leon is survived by his children, Denise (John) Lewis of Keystone Heights, FL, Leonardo Veto “Buddy” (Alison) Dicandio, III of Fleming Island, FL, and April (Jason) Pilcher of Starke, FL; brother, Joseph (Lynda) Dicandio of Tennessee; sister, Virginia Jones of Tampa, FL; grandchildren, Brandi (Chris) Crawford, John (Haley) Lewis, Stephen Lewis, Jason (Keri) Lewis, Katie Lewis, Leonardo Veto “Leo” Dicandio, IV, Hiram Dicandio, Mathew (Nathan Adams) Larson, Kenneth (Cynthia) Larson, Ashlyn (Blake) Hall, Amberlyn Pilcher, and Aniston Pilcher; 20 great grandchildren with one more on the way; 1 great-great granddaughter; along with several extended family members and dear friends.
A Celebration of Leon’s Life will be held on Monday, April 13, 2026, at 11:00 am at Northside Baptist Church with Pastor Chris Davis officiating. Interment will follow at Pine Grove Congregational Methodist Church Cemetery in Raiford, FL. The family will receive friends on Monday, April 13, 2026, an hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, Starke, Florida 32091, 904-964-5757. Visit www.ferreirafuneralservices.com to sign the family’s guest book.