Mr. Francis A. Leone, Sr.

UTICA/DUNEDIN, FLORIDA - Mr. Francis A. Leone, Sr./US Army, Retired, age 96, passed away on Thursday, June 8, 2017 in Dunedine, Florida with his family by his side. Born into the Greatest Generation on May 18, 1921, Francis was the son of the late Joseph A. and Mary (Romeo) Leone. He attended Mt. Carmel Grammar School and T.R. Proctor High School. He joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), where he learned a program that provided young people with work in conservation initiatives where he learned basics of pediatric medical services. Like many, he allotted a majority of his pay back to his family. He went on to enlist in the United States Army/27th Division where he proudly served his country in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II, where he was awarded the Bronze Star and Combat Infantry Badge. But his military service did not end there. Frank was also a veteran of the Korean War, again serving his country with honor, retiring from the United States Government as a gunsmith. In 1946 he married the former Mary P. Fusillo with whom he shared 69 years in a union blessed with love and respect until Mary’s passing on September 22, 2015. Frank held several government positions including the National Guard at the Armory, followed by a career at Griffiss Air Force Base as a gunsmith which spanned the majority of his working life. He later transferred to a federal position with the US Army Reserve, serving at Burrstone Road and then in Syracuse, the position from which he retired, after a total of 38 years of service to his country. He truly enjoyed the caliber and specialization of his profession in repairing, restoring, and designing firearms. As well as a proud patriot, Frank was a proud patriarch. He was dedicated to his family and provided for them on so many levels. He enjoyed the hospitality shared with his loved ones and he will be remembered for his ability to share a great story and a joke. An outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and hiking, and always included his children. He tinkered in repairing guns, a hobby as well as his vocation. He and Mary were snowbirds for many years and they finally relocated to Florida in 1991 where they participated in the neighborhood park activities and making new friendships. Even though they were independent souls, Utica was always their home. Frank was a faithful member of the American Legion Fort Schuyler Post #1290, the (NRA) National Rifle Association, and the (VFW) Veterans of Foreign Wars. Although Frank never formally finished school, he acquired the education necessary to excel in his area of expertise and rise to the rank of U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 4. Because of the length of his career and the breadth of his knowledge, he was respected and referred to for information and advice. He lived a life of service,… to his family and his country. Frank is survived by his son, Dennis A. Leone of Syracuse. He held close to his heart the memory of his son, Francis A. Leone, Jr. who preceded him in death. He also leaves his daughter-in-law, Mary Jane Leone of FL; his grandchildren, Paul and Angie Leone, and Amy and Micah McCombs; great-grandchildren, Emersyn, and Ryder McCombs; his sisters, Rose Mattia, Ann Mezzanini, and Carmelina Ziobro; his brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Eleanor Leone; nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and sisters-in-law, Tina Leone, and Rose Spuches. He was predeceased by his brothers and sisters-in-law, John and Ann Leone, Tony Leone, and Mike and Elsie Leone. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Francis’ Memorial Service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Saturday morning, August 19, 2017 at 10:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. James Cesta with Military Honors conferred. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations in Frank's honor to the St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Memorial Fund; envelopes will be available at the service. Inurnment will take place privately in St. Agatha’s Cemetery in Canastota.

Mr. Francis A. Leone, Sr.

May 18, 1921 - June 8, 2017