Joseph F. Leone

Joseph F. Leone, Sr., 88, of Sanford Avenue, passed away peacefully on Tuesday June 2, 2015 at the St. Johnsville Nursing Home with his loving family at his bed side. Born October 14, 1926 in Amsterdam, New York, he was the son of the late Joseph F. and Rose Gatto Leone. Joseph received his G.E.D. and he attended FMCC. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran of WWII and served in the Pacific Theatre on the USS Antares and the USS Sarita. Joseph was employed as a Textile Colorist for Gem Urethane Company in Amsterdam for a number of years. He was a parishioner of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Amsterdam and he was a member of the St. Michael's Holy Name Society. Joseph was very active in Veterans Affairs as a member and former Commander of VFW Post 55, former Tri County Commander of Montgomery, Fulton and Hamilton Counties. He volunteered over 2000 hours at the VA Hospital in Albany. For many years he helped place flags in various cemeteries for Memorial Day and was involved in numerous Veteran functions throughout the Tri County area. Joseph attended many reunions throughout the United States with those he served with in WWII. He enjoyed spending time with his family, painting beautiful landscapes and gardening. On May 21, 1950 he married the former Erma Petitti. Besides being survived by his loving wife of 65 years, he is survived by two sons, Joseph Leone (Mary Ann ) of Amsterdam and Mark Leone (Terry) of Amsterdam; two daughters, Donna Zeno (Tony) of Orlando, FL and Lynn Lewis (Michael J.) of Mayfield; a sister Angelina Dasher (George) of Broadalbin; seven grandchildren, Melissa Quinn (Chris), Danielle Zeno, Anthony Zeno, Joseph Leone (Jennifer), Jacob Leone (Tiana), Josh Leone and Landrie Beth Leone; five great grandchildren, Julianna Quinn, Mackenzie Quinn, Mimi Chapman, Ava Leone and Leighton Leone; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Joseph was predeceased by his siblings, Vito, Antoinette Romeyn, Andrea and Vincent. A funeral service will be held on Saturday June 6, 2015 at 11:00 am at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam with the Rev Lawrence J. Decker officiating. Burial will follow with Military Honors at St. Michael's Cemetery in Amsterdam. The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday from 4 to 7 pm at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made in Joseph's memory to the Alzheimer's Association of NY, 4 Pine Plaza, Suite 405, Albany, NY 12205-5515.