Mr. Robert C. "Bobby" Leone

UTICA - On Wednesday, August 30, 2023, Mr. Robert C. “Bobby” Leone, age 57, experienced an unforeseen passing in the comfort and dignity of his home. Robert was born in Utica to Eleanor M. (Bendino) Leone and the late Robert R. “Bob” Leone on November 12, 1965. He attended Albany St. and Christopher Columbus Elementary Schools, and in high school discovered his love of being on the stage. He appeared in numerous high school productions including “Some Like It Hot,” “Arsenic and Old Lace,” “Oklahoma!” and “Anything Goes.” In 1983 he earned a scholarship to Adelphi University on Long Island. Here he continued his love of acting and his ability to make people laugh as a comedian. He thoroughly enjoyed this opportunity and then turned to the vibrancy and excitement of New York City life, which enthralled him. There, he auditioned for many shows and accepted many positions, which afforded him numerous opportunities. He also was employed in the city’s restaurant scene where he met many celebrities and made countless friends. He followed his dreams and had his parents’ support the entire time. It was an exciting life, filled with an electric vibe. Often, his parents, girlfriend, aunts and uncle and cousins, would gather to visit him in the city, and then the fun would begin. In 2013, he returned to his Utica family to embrace another phase of his life. Bobby spent many happy years with his girlfriend Ester “Tete” Munoz, and the time they spent together was truly a benevolent gift to both of them. A fun-filled man, Bobby was always ready for a good time and made so many memories. As an only child, he considered himself blessed to have an army of cousins he considered siblings. The family camp at Verona Beach was always a hoot! They prepared and indulged in many Italian meals waterfront; they now look back and realize how fun-filled those summers were. Bobby always partook in the friendly card games and any opportunity to take to the water for the solace found only in fishing. And all of us could just imagine the entourage that could fill a bus when the Papa and Leone families would find their way to Yankee Stadium, which were always exciting trips filled with food, spirits, and explosive laughter. These were the best of times. They always had fun celebrating any occasion together, even those which might have been sad, they conducted their affairs as a close-knit family and gave each other much love. The makeup of this man that we call Bobby came from having a kind heart, a non-judgmental attitude, and a favorable free spirit. He was such a strong presence in the life of his mother, whom he absolutely adored. Both treasured their relationship as it was so precious to them. Even though there was so many wonderful times, he took great pleasure and comfort in being in the serenity of his home. He was a true believer in the Catholic faith. Bobby is survived by his loving mother, Eleanor; his aunts and uncles, Betty Bendino, Alice Bendino, Rose Mattia and her late husband Edward Mattia, Anna Mezzanini and her late husband Michael Mezzanini, Jr., and Tina Leone. He was preceded by his aunts and uncles, Nicholas and Donna Bendino, Marie Bendino, Clara and Angelo Papa, Sr., Frank, Sr. and Mary Leone, John and Ann Leone, Anthony “Tony” Leone, Michael and Elsie Leone, and Carmelina and Francis Zioboro, Sr. He also leaves to cherish his memory a multitude of cousins who filled his heart and made unforgettable memories; and countless precious friends to last a lifetime. He was preceded by his maternal grandparents, Frank and Anna (Contento) Bendino; his paternal grandparents, Joseph A. and Mary (Romeo) Leone; and his cousins, Frank A. Leone, Hon. Louis F. Papa, and Daniel Zioboro, Jr. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Robert’s Memorial Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will commence on Saturday, September 9, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish, 648 Jay St. There will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of Mass. Memorial contributions in Bobby’s name may be made to the Anita’s Stevens Swan Humane Society online at https://www.anitas-sshs.org/donate; envelopes will also be available at the service.

Mr. Robert C. "Bobby" Leone

November 12, 1965 - August 30, 2023