Leonard Alexander Antonelli

On July 1, 2025 our beloved Lennie Antonelli graduated to Paradise as a result of a tragic bike accident in Asheville, NC. Lennie and a fellow bicyclist were struck and killed by a large truck during an organized bike ride with the Liberty Bike Club. Lennie was doing something he loved.

He was born in South Bend, IN on December 19, 1997. He is the son of Alex and Jocie (Phillips) Antonelli, brother to A.J. and Rosemary Antonelli, and fiance to Maddie Barondeau. He was preceded in death by grandparents Louis and Lois Antonelli, Uncle Lennie Phillips, and Aunt Sherry Hubartt.

Lennie graduated from Penn High School and Indiana University where he studied accounting. It was during his time at IU that he caught the cycling bug participating in the Little 500. He was so proud to have created and built Nick’s Cycling from the ground up. Lennie brought the discipline, talent, and love for the sport that his Nick’s teammates needed.

His passion for cycling grew over the years and he chose to leave the corporate world behind and pursue his dream. His dream of cycling professionally took him to Asheville, NC where he steadily improved and eventually attained his category 1 license, the highest and most elite domestic road racing category. His level of achievement in the sport after graduating was a rarity. Less than half a percent of Little 500 riders in its 74 year history ever achieved the same level that Lennie did. Most recently he rode for the team Super Squadra. He loved his teammates, the competition, and the pursuit of excellence. Like the Postal Service, rain, sleet, cold, or snow never kept Lennie from training or racing.

Lennie had such a positive spirit and big smile. The energy of the room was always brighter when he was in it. He lived life to the fullest and loved being surrounded by family and friends. He was a compassionate soul and had a special place in his heart for his sister who is a special-needs child. He also loved the Indy 500, IU, dogs, and all things Italian.

Lennie was in the prime of his life with seemingly nothing but blue skies ahead. His career was on an upward trajectory at Liberty Bicycles; he won his last bike race; and he had just picked out an engagement ring three days before the accident. His passing leaves a hole in the hearts of all who knew him.

Visitation will be at St. Pius the Tenth Catholic Church in Granger, Indiana from 4:00 to 7:30 on Wednesday, July 9. A vigil will take place at 7:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will also take place at St. Pius on Thursday, July 10 at 10:30 and will be livestreamed via the church website (www.stpius.net). There will be visitation one hour before the Mass.

Memorial donations in Lennie’s name can be made to Logan Community Resources, Inc., South Bend, IN (www.logancenter.org).