Obituary of Leonard James "Len" Datello

Leonard "Lenny" James Datello passed away unexpectedly at his home September 28, 2023. He was 31 years old. 

Lenny was born June 13, 1992 in Staten Island, NY. His family moved to Howell, New Jersey in 1995 and finally settled in Millstone Township, NJ, in 2001. He moved out on his own to Ewing NJ in 2019. He graduated Allentown High School and soon went on to work in the parts department at his family's car dealership. Having a knack for the car business, just like his father and sister, he soon became manager. At the time of his passing, he was a Parts Director at a North Philly Chevy dealership. He loved his job, the people he got to work with, and the businesses he built relationships with. Like a true Datello, Lenny loved cars from an early age. He started out with a love for imports but moved to muscle. Soon, he would have the best of both worlds including a 2003 Terminator Cobra and a 2004 turbocharged Honda S2000 that he was so proud to call his own. Cars weren't his only passion. He loved hockey and would make the trip to Toronto to see his beloved Maple Leafs play whenever he could. He adored his two pet Chinchillas, Luna and Hermoine, like they were his children. In fact, they lived better than royalty. 

Lenny would light up any room he was in with his infectious laugh and positive vibes. He loved spending time with his family, his girlfriend, Elise Kait, and his countless friends. He enjoyed working out, playing softball, the shooting range, cooking, smoking ribs to perfection, taking trips and going on long drives on a beautiful day. 

Lenny is predeceased by both his grandfathers, Leonard Charles Datello and James Trotta and his great aunt Rosemary "Doll" Trotta. He is survived by his parents Michelle and Lenny Datello, his siblings Breanna and Vincent Datello, his niece Ella Esquilin, his second family, Uncle Rich and Aunt Susan Datello, and cousins Matthew and Richard Datello, his Aunt Janeen Guidice (Chris), and cousins Christopher and Anthony Guidice, his grandmothers Adele Rampolla and Linda Flannery, extended family, and so many friends he's made along the way.

Visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and 7:00 to 9:00 PM.  Friends and family are invited to attend his 11:00 am funeral service on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at the funeral home. Interment will be private. For information, directions or to leave condolences messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com