Joseph F. Lebano, Sr.

Lebano1944~2021Joseph Francis Lebano Sr., 76, passed away at home in Newtown Square, PA on Thursday, February 4, 2021. After being diagnosed with advanced esophageal cancer in the fall of 2019, he fought a courageous battle with his wife, Nancy, by his side. He was born on October 25, 1944 in Meridian, Mississippi, the son of Joseph J. Lebano and Rena (Salvucci) Lebano. Known as “Joey” to his West Philly cohort, he graduated from St. Thomas More High School and attended Drexel University. He served in the US Army Reserves and began his professional career in his hometown of Philadelphia, PA – eventually becoming a mortgage banker within commercial real estate – and was most recently employed by Franklin Realty Development Corporation in Blue Bell, PA. Joe was primarily known for his devotion to his wife and family. He and Nancy were high school sweethearts and were married for 54 years. Their genuine love and mutual respect for one another laid the foundation for the tight-knit family they would raise and the many memories they would create. From taking his kids to Disney World to teaching his grandchildren how to body surf at the shore, he loved the time he spent with his family. His kids remember his very specific traits such as being a human atlas and his meticulous nature (exhibited in the way he’d put together an antipasti platter or straighten the rugs in the home). His grandchildren, who called him “Pop-Pop,” remember his love of food and hobbies such as making homemade wine. More than anything, Joe was very much a “what you see is what you get” person, and all of his kids are indebted to him for teaching them to be their most authentic selves. His kindness extended beyond his family to those in his community and those in need. Joe was an active, well-respected member of St. Tommy More, St. Laurence, Monsignor Bonner, St. Bernadette, and Country Day School of the Sacred Heart. Over the years, he and Nancy welcomed fifteen foster babies in their home and more recently participated in The Fresh Air Fund. These are some of many examples of how Joe always put others before himself and expected nothing in return. Joe is survived by his wife, Nancy (Bucci) Lebano, and his four children, Joseph F. Lebano Jr. and his wife, Kelly, of Havertown, PA, Jon F. Lebano and his wife, Heather, of West Chester, PA, Jason G. Lebano and his wife, Melissa, of Springfield, PA, and Christie Snyder and her husband, Sean, of Springfield, PA. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Joseph III, Cara, Sophia, Ian, Olivia, Isabelle, Charlotte, and Gemma, and his brother Richard. Due to the ongoing pandemic, services will be private. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Thomas More Alumni Association (PO Box 294, Drexel Hill, PA 19026) or St. Anastasia Parish (3301 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA 19073). Please watch a live streamed service that will begin promptly at 10:30 AM on Friday, February 12, 2021 www.pscp.tv/danjolellmemor