Leonard Van Orden, 85, of Milford, PA, and formerly of Kearny, NJ, passed away peacefully at
home on December 14, 2025.
Born in Newark, NJ, on September 12, 1940, to the late Horace and Margaret (Mikulewicz) Van
Orden, Len built a life defined by service to his community and devotion to his family. He
enjoyed a long career in truck leasing and various sales fields, but his true legacy was found in
his local involvement. He was a familiar face at the Kearny Republican Club and served his
community on both the Kearny Board of Education and the Board of Health. Many also
remember him for his hands-on work as a Rigger for the Kearny Crew Boathouse. He briefly
served in the Army and was honorably discharged due to injury.
Len was married for 57 years to the love of his life, the late Carole Lynne Van Orden (Becker).
Together, they shared a deep appreciation for their Scottish and Irish heritage. Len was often
seen tailgating at Giants games, proudly wearing a custom kilt Carole had hand-sewn for him,
and he never missed an opportunity to follow a local pipe band. In their later years, Len and
Carole cherished their annual trips to the Outer Banks, North Carolina, returning with photo
books that captured a lifetime of shared memories.
He is survived by his six children and their spouses: Leonard H.Van Orden (Laura), Gretchen
Cuccio (Frank), Paul Van Orden (Marissa), Laura Rudberg (Scott), Maria Carrie (Gordon), and
Quyen Leberknight (Alan).
Len was a proud grandfather to 16 grandchildren: Stephen (Laura), Samantha (Harry), Katie,
Joseph, Kelly, Emily C., Ava, Emily W., Madelinh, Olivia, Oliver, Jack, Avery, Charlotte, Toby,
and Claudia. He also leaves behind two great-grandchildren, Lucy Cuccio and Franklyn Fontan.
In addition to his parents and his beloved wife, Leonard was preceded in death by his siblings:
Dennis “Butch” Van Orden, Penelope Van Orden, Deborah Van Orden, and Hidie Van Orden-
Harkey.
Cremation was held privately at the convenience of the family. A memorial service to celebrate
Len’s life will be held on Sunday, February 15, 2026 at Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Dr., Kearny from 3 to 5 pm.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity or Operation Smile.