The beautiful soul of Leonilo “Leo” Racelis Alina Jr., of Groton, left this world on Friday, February 21st, 2020.
Leo has been a resident of Groton for over 30 years with his loving wife, Cynthia Alina, whom he’s been married to for 40 years.
Leo was born October 28th, 1952, in Iriga City, Philippines, where he lived for 24 years and served in the Philippine Army before migrating to the United States in 1977, through the sponsorship of his older brother, Sabino Alina, Petty Officer First Class in the United States Navy.
After working for such companies as Railroad Salvage and Wyman & Gordon, Leo became known around Southeastern Connecticut as a local handyman, specializing in reupholstering furniture and carpentry. Leo once owned his own store, Presidential Upholstery, in the early 1980s, located on the corner of Connecticut Ave and Broad Street in New London, CT. Leo’s skills contributed to the carpentry and tiling in the original Crystal Mall.
Leo had an intangible zest for life. He was full of kindness and love for all those he encountered. His positive spirit, friendliness and handyman reputation made him popular with many in the Groton/New London area. Leo could easily be recognized around town driving down the road in his black Suzuki SUV with the custom made roof rack and Dunkin Donuts coffee in hand.
Leo had a passion for many things, such as dancing and creating projects. In his early days, he could be found doing the hustle at Rhana Pippins Disco in Groton, or Liquid Light in New London! When it comes to his projects, his latest was creating a Jeepney, a cultural mode of Philippine transportation, to honor his heritage. One of his most notable projects was a Caribou and wagon that graced his front yard on US RT 1 for many years- it was one of his signature pieces and an unofficial Groton landmark! Leo was very involved and well known in this region’s Filipino community. On any day of the year, you could find Leo working in his yard or in his garage shop, always with the music blaring and machines moving.
Above all, Leo was a family man. He loved attending a good family party, hosting many of these gatherings over the years with his wife Cindy, at their home. Seeing the family together made him the happiest. A loyal son, loving husband, devoted father, dependable brother, doting grandfather, adored uncle and recently a proud great grandfather, Leo will be missed by so many from all over the globe.
Leo is survived by his wife, Cynthia Alina and his four children: Anne Regondola and husband Lito Regondola; Justin Alina and wife Liezyl Alina; Jeremy Alina; and Raychel Morelli and husband John Morelli.
Leo was a charismatic and highly involved grandfather, often taking care of his grand kids, bringing them to and from activities, as they are his inspiration for such playful projects as his “lawn mower” and “zip line” rides. Leo would always make sure their family pool was ready for the kids each summer. He leaves behind six grandchildren: Catherine, Jonathan “Jhun Jhun,” and Jonas Regondola; Jasmine and Jacob Alina; and Isabella “Izzy” Morelli. He was also able to meet his first great grandchild, Cate Jane Vega, who was born just a week before his passing.
Leo is also survived by six sisters and one brother: Lourdes Arroyo, Helen Banaria and Husband Ben Banaria, Noring Luzon, Alice Lopez and her husband June Lopez, Teresita Albus and husband Edilberto Albus, Louisito Alina and wife Marina Alina, and Febie Alina Herndon.
Leo is an uncle and great uncle to dozens of nieces and nephews, who idolize him and will miss him dearly.
Leo will join his mother, Justina Racelis Alina and father, Leonilo Gavino Alina Sr., in Heaven. Leo was also predeceased by his sister, Naty Taduran and Brother, Sabino Racelis Alina.
Calling hours for Leonilo Alina Jr. will be held at Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, in Historic Downtown Mystic, on Thursday, March 5th, 2020 from 4PM-8PM and Friday, March 6th, 2020 from 10AM-12PM.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Church, 69 Groton Long Point Rd, on Saturday, March 7th, 2020 at 11AM.
To share a message of condolence or remembrance with his family, please click the link below.