Obituary
Michael J. Leninger, 64, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, and uncle entered eternal life on February 27, 2023. Michael was born February 2, 1959 to John (Jack) and Jeanne Leninger and was a loving brother to Tommy and Cathyann. He grew up in Wantagh where he met and married his childhood sweetheart, Susan (Dugan). Together as a couple for almost 40 years of marriage, they remained lifelong Wantagh residents and built a home and a life filled with love, joy, and faithful devotion. In that home they raised two beautiful, strong, and caring young women, Kathleen (Gassner) and Maureen (Crames), and welcomed two devoted son-in-laws, Matthew and Jordan. He was a loving brother in law to Jimmy, Kathy, Joe, Nancy, Patricia, Ken, Lorraine, and John. Most recently Michael became “Poppy” to Logan, Jaxson, and Amelia – a role he long prepared for and performed with perfection. He was an energetic mentor and a loving guide to many nieces, nephews, cousins, and godchildren. Michael was a larger than life personality. His mustaches were as legion as his devotion to the Wantagh Fire Department. He was a former captain and long-time officer of the Exempt Fireman’s Association: his service began when he was a teenager and continued for the next 42 years. In his crisp dress uniform and perfectly coiffed mustache he filled Susan and his girls, and his many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and friends with much joy as he proudly piloted Engine 1 up Wantagh Avenue in the annual 4th of July parade.
