Anna D. (Fortuna) Leone

Mrs. Anna D. (Fortuna) Leone, a long-time resident of Utica, passed away Friday, February 25, 2011 in Fresno, California. Anna was born in Herkimer, N.Y. on March 28, 1916 and was raised in Ilion, N.Y. She was the daughter of the late Erminia and Libero Fortuna. She was a graduate of Marymount College, Tarrytown, N.Y. Gifted with a beautiful soprano voice, she attended the Eastman School of Music, the Julliard School of Music, and was a graduate of the acclaimed Academy of Vocal Arts, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where she trained to fulfill her ambition of becoming an opera singer. During World War II, she appeared in numerous USO concerts given in various parts of the country and sang on two weekly radio programs in New York City. On December 28, 1946, she married Dr. Frank G. Leone at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City. They settled in Utica where they raised six children. Anna was a warm and gracious human being. To her grandchildren she was “Nana”, to everyone else she was “Dearheart” - the endearing name she bestowed on everyone she encountered. Although she did not pursue her career in opera, she enjoyed singing in church and in her kitchen where she prepared the most wonderful meals. Most of all, she enjoyed being with her children, grandchildren, and visiting with her many friends and long-time neighbors on Parkside Ct. in Utica. After moving to Fresno, California in the fall of 2001, Anna developed many new friends. Of particular mention were her three wonderful devoted caregivers who assisted her for many years in the comfort of her own home: Martina Luna, Corazone Villaflor and Carmen Armenta. Anna is survived by her six children: Anthony Leone and his wife Kathy (Utica, N.Y.), Dolores Tozzi (Vallejo, CA), Rosemary Wittlinger and her husband Peter (Fresno, CA), Frank Leone (Whippeny, N.J.), Roger Leone and his wife Ricarda (Pebble Beach, CA), and Mary Lourdes Leone (Fresno, CA). She is survived by ten grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and daughter-in-law, Grace Leone. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 37 years, Frank G. Leone, M.D.; three brothers and sisters-in-law, Joseph and Nancy Fortuna, Dominick and Susan Fortuna, and Roger and Marguerite Fortuna; a son-in-law, Lawrence Tozzi, and daughter-in-law, Marilyn Greer Baker. A private entombment will be held at the Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum on Champlin Ave. in Utica. At a date and time to be announced, a memorial service will be held to celebrate Anna’s life with her many relatives and friends. Anna’s family wishes to express their sincere appreciation for the superb care and compassion their mother received from the dedicated staff at Nazareth House, Fresno, CA and Hinds Hospice, Fresno, CA. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to these wonderful organizations; donations may be sent to the funeral home, and will be available at the future memorial service. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Anna D. (Fortuna) Leone

March 28, 1916 - February 25, 2011