Leonard J. La Verghetta Sr.

La Verghetta Leonard, J., age 99 of Lyndhurst, NJ, lovingly known to his friends and family as “Captain Lenny” entered heavens gates on Saturday March 15, 2025. (Coincidentally the birth date of his late wife Elsie).

Leonard was born in Vasto, Italy (Abruzzi Region) October 25, 1925, to his parents Vincenzo La Verghetta and Michelina nee; Bassi. Predeceased by his brother Nicholas (Mary), brother Anthony (Marie), Sister Elena, and beloved wife Elsie nee; Strobel.   Survived by his sister Mary G. La Verghetta, son Leonard (Jay) La Verghetta, Jr., granddaughter Lauren (Billy) and three great grandchildren April, Summer, and Trey Armstrong. Also survived by many nieces and nephews and grand nieces and grand nephews.

With his parents and siblings Leonard immigrated to Union City, NJ at the age of 12. He went into the Union City school system and at the age of 18 entered the United States Coast Guard where he served for 4 years during World War II. He was on a ship protecting the Coast from New Foundland to Brazil looking out for Submarines and plotting weather balloons to get information back to the Generals. He achieved the rank of First-Class Electrician. He met his wife Elsie and got married in 1947. Eventually he built a house in Fort Lee. He became a proud father when his son “Jay” was born in 1952. He started working with his father-in-law Ludwig, learning the Embroidery Trade. Years later he started his own business Nu Mode Products in Union City manufacturing embroidery, lace, trimmings, emblems, and sequence. He was very proud of the fact that he produced the Apollo 11 embroidered patch that the Astronauts wore on the moon. At some point he also started a business called Quality Bobbins producing bobbins for the trade. He had an inventive spirit all of his life. He developed new ideas for the industry such as “Electric Watcher” which told the operator when a thread broke and where. “Roller Mat” a device to roll the fabric electrically onto the 15-yard roller and a recycle oil and filtering system for the machinery. Leonard became very active in the industry and eventually served as President of the Schiffli Lace and Embroidery Manufacturers Association, also member of the Schiffli Lace and Embroidery Promotion Fund. In 1972, he received the man of the year award for someone who made an Outstanding Contribution to the growth and progress of the Embroidery Industry.

He was also a Management Representative to both the Schiffli Embroidery Worker Welfare and Pension Funds. One of his proudest achievements was when he was able to get a sign painted onto a Route 3 overpass at Kennedy Boulevard which proclaimed Union City as the home of the American Embroidery Industry. A smaller version of the original is still there today for people to see as they drive to get to the Lincoln Tunnel.

Around 1975 Leonard decided to make a major career change and went from “Lace to Lobsters”. At the age of 50 he retired from the embroidery Industry. Along with his son “Jay” he built and operated a Seafood Steak Restaurant in the Meadowlands along the Hackensack River in Carlstadt called The Barge Club. It was a father and son team for 30 years. A Marina was built called Sky Harbor. He started building his own docks for the boats. This was originally a Seaplane Base and Flying School. He was truly a pioneer to have the vision to transfer two Railroad Barges into a Restaurant with Nautical Décor and River Views. Music and Dancing was featured on the weekends. Leonard made a unique device to allow the boat shaped bar to move back and forth. It was known as the “Moving Bar”. He enjoyed the people and dancing and would take the microphone to encourage customers to join him on the dance floor to do group dances like the Electric Slide and Country Line Dancing. He could be seen many nights with his Tux on or one of his many custom-made Sport Coats with wild print linings. We called him “Dapper Lenny”. He would make his rounds talking with the customers and sometimes even doing tableside magic tricks. He was also able to come across a Venetian Gondola and began giving tours on the river. He loved his family, traveled, and lived life to the fullest. He would always say “If you love what you do it’s not work”. He had a huge personality and was an amazing man. When people said it couldn’t be done, he made it happen his way. May he rest in peace – God Bless.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.