This is very sad. Robert De Niro’s 19 year old grandson, Leandro Anthony De Niro-Rodriguez, has died. Leo is the son of Drena Abbott De Niro, who was adopted by the Oscar winner when he was married to actress and singer Diahnne Abbott in the 1970s.
Drena posted the news this morning on Instagram. She wrote: “My beautiful sweet angel . I have loved you beyond words or description from the moment I felt you in my belly .You have been my joy my heart and all that was ever pure and real in my life . I wish I was with you right now. I wish I was with you . I don’t know how to live without you but I’ll try to go on and spread the love and light that you so made me feel in getting to be your mama . You were so deeply loved and appreciated and I wish that love alone could have saved you 😞I’m so sorry my baby , I’m so sorry @carlosmare 😢💔. Rest in Peace and Eternal Paradise my darling boy”
Robert De Niro has sent a statement: “I’m deeply distressed by the passing of my beloved grandson Leo. We’re greatly appreciative of the condolences from everyone. We ask that we please be given privacy to grieve our loss of Leo.”
Leo’s father, artist Carlos Mare, wrote back: “My dear Drena… words aren’t enough to express the joy he gave us or the loss we now endure with our families and friends. He is Godschild now. 🙏🏼 On this full moon his spirit luminates what could not be seen in the dark. You can’t spell LOVE without LEO”
Many well known people, like actresses Rosie Perez and Debi Mazar, also posted condolences indicating their shock at this incalculable loss.
The one poster who really came out of left field was Victoria Gotti. daughter of the late mobster John Gotti, She wrote, in part: “A young life cut far too short. Love you baby boy!!! Dearest Dreana you were a GREAT “hands-on” mom. It made you even more beautiful physically and emotionally!!! Leo SO appreciated the LOVE you gave him and held you so dearly in his heart. As I know you always did the same with him. Know you were a great mother daughter sister friend.”
Condolences to the extended families.
