Leonard F. Talerico

Leonard F. Talerico, Jr., age 65 of Highland Lakes, N.J, died suddenly on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018. Len is originally from Wayne and has lived in Highland Lakes since 1977.
Len grew up in the Sheffield section of Wayne and graduated from Wayne Hills High School with the class of 1970. In 1975, he began his career with the Township of Wayne. Starting out as a mechanic, he worked his way up through the ranks and eventually became the construction official. As a building inspector, he loved having the authority that came with the title. Some contractors might have been intimidated by him a bit, especially with his signature outfit; a full-length overcoat, cowboy boots, Elvis-style sideburns and a hairstyle that hadn’t changed since the 1970’s. Len was surely one of a kind and he retired in 2006 after more than thirty years with Wayne Township.
Anyone who knew Len personally knew how much he loved cars. His wife estimates that he’s owned more than fifty throughout his lifetime! He was especially passionate about Corvettes and he’s owned some of the most collectible among them, including his favorite ’63 split window. He was a longtime member of the “Drifters” car club and he enjoyed bringing his cars to the local car shows. He also had a passion for unique cars, like the ’28 Plymouth he owns. He even built a Lamborghini (or the “Len-borghini as his family called it!) out of a Pontiac Fiero, using a kit he bought. In retirement, he spent most of his time restoring cars, or searching for his next project. He was also a ‘jack of all trades’ who did all of his own home improvements, built several homes for others, as well as additions and alterations. His children have reminders of their father throughout every room in their own homes. His hands have worked on too many homes to count, including just about every house on his own street. He did everything and his knowledge of all the trades was impressive, but in some cases he only knew enough to get by and keep himself out of trouble! He was also a proud member and Engineer with the Highland Lakes Fire Department.
Len met his wife Lori (nee Brinkerhoff) in high school. They were married four days after she graduated from Wayne Hills, June 17, 1973. They enjoyed a honeymoon to the Bahamas. Well, Len didn’t enjoy it so much, only because the Bahamas in June can be miserably hot, and it certainly was when they were there. Nevertheless, they have enjoyed 44 years of marriage and Len was grateful to Lori for always being supportive of his dreams.
Len is survived by his wife; Lori (Brinkerhoff) of Highland Lakes, NJ, his son; Leonard and his wife Kelly of Vernon, April Blaine and her husband Fred of Vernon, and Amy Brennan and her husband Tom of Vernon, his mother; Katherine Talerico of Wayne, nine grandchildren; Sean, Victoria, Chandler, Brendan, Emma, Gabbi, Abby, Tristan, and Addy, two sisters; Cathy Talerico of Wayne, Linda Talerico-Romania and her husband Tony of Connecticut, and his brother; David Talerico and his wife Lisa of Wayne, and many nieces and nephews.
Friends may visit with the family at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne, on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018 from 3-7 p.m. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, celebrated by Fr. Michael Lombardo.