Wladika

Leona Marie Wladika, of Butler, peacefully passed away Saturday, April 5, 2025.

Born Nov. 6, 1933, in Butler, she was the youngest of 12 children.

Her parents, Luigi and Antonia Tucci, immigrated to the United States from Troia, Italy, and settled initially in Ridgway. The family ultimately found a home on the South Side of Butler in 1929.

Leona lived a full life in her 91 years. Throughout her childhood, she spent much of her time with her father and older sisters, serving as her dad’s translator at the bank and market and supporting her sisters through their pregnancies.

In her early adulthood she worked various jobs around the Butler community.

She married her husband, William “Bill” Wladika, in 1955 at St. Michael Roman Catholic Church.

Leona and Bill settled in Lyndora, just two doors down from Bill’s parents. There they raised four children and remained active members of their church.

She was a member of All Saints Parish. She also belonged to the 55 & Alive of St. Michael Roman Catholic Church and the Ladies Guild of St. John Byzantine Catholic Church

Leona leaves behind four children, Bill Wladika and his wife, Maria, Karen Smaldino and her husband, Dr. Tony Smaldino Jr., Sue Leone and her husband, Dan, and Patti Wladika; and one sister, Ann Bogusky.

She is also survived by six grandchildren, Alyssa Smaldino, Jenna Smaldino Hyland and her husband, Matt, Anthony Smaldino and his wife, Erin, Dominique Smaldino, Nicolas Leone, and Erica Leone; two great-grandchildren, Nora Hyland and Leo Hyland; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Together, Leona’s loved ones carry forward her devotion to family and faith.

In addition to her parents, Leona was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, who passed away July 1, 1994; and five brothers and five sisters.

WLADIKA — Friends of Leona Marie Wladika, who died Saturday, April 5, 2025, will be received from 2 to 5 p.m. Wednesday in MARTIN FUNERAL HOME, 429 Center Ave., Butler.

A blessing service will immediately follow at 5 p.m. at the funeral home, with the Rev. Kevin C. Fazio officiating.

Burial will take place at Butler County Memorial Park.

In her final six months of life, Leona received tremendous care from the team at The Addison House at Lowrie Place, and, in lieu of flowers, the family is encouraging donations to support activity programs for the residents there. Checks can be sent to Lowrie Place, 100 Stirling Village, Butler, PA 16001.

For more information, please visit www.martinfh.net.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.