Vincent James Leone

Vincent James Leone, 78, died at his Vacaville home on Monday, July 16, 2012, after a brief illness. He was surrounded by his family. Vincent was born on September 2, 1933, in Amsterdam, New York, to Joseph Sr. and Rose Gatto Leone. He was the fourth of six children, and is survived by his brother, Joseph Leone of Amsterdam, and sister, Angelina Dasher, of Gloversville, NY. Vincent graduated from Wilbur H. Lynch High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force after graduation and was honorably discharged from military service after earning three medals, including the Korean War Service Medal. He continued his education at Hudson Valley Technical Institute in Troy, New York, where he received a degree in electronics. Vincent went on to work at Electric Boat in Groton, CT, and later at Mare Island Naval Shipyard in Vallejo, CA, focusing on the weapons fire control systems in nuclear submarines. While working at Mare Island he recommended cost-saving changes to overhauling electrical systems for submarines and received a letter of appreciation from President Gerald Ford. He also designed the "Can Do" logo for Mare Island's Fire Control Shop 36. Vincent married Mary Jane Sullivan in November 1958 and the couple had three children: Pamela married to John Higgins, Karen, and Andrea married to Alex Custodio. Vincent married Barbara Jean Johnston in January 1991 and added five stepchildren to his family: Linda married to Rodney Cameron, Gary Brook married to Debbie, Stephen Brook married to Cheryl, Paula married to C.B. Bailey, and Donna Brook. Vincent and Barbara have 10 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Vincent enjoyed spending time with his family and had recently moved to Vacaville from Olympia, WA with his wife Barbara to be closer to their children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed gardening, and for a few years during his retirement was a gentleman farmer when he and Barbara lived on an 80-acre ranch in Willow Springs, MO. Vincent also enjoyed following the progress of his beloved Yankees. He was a long-time supporter of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Vincent was preceded in death by his first wife Mary, brothers Vito and Andrea, and sister Antoinette Romeyn. Funeral arrangements are with McCune Garden Chapel in Vacaville. A viewing will be held on Monday, July 23 from 5 pm - 7 pm. The memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 24 at 10 am. The burial will follow at 12:30 pm at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, CA. A reception will be held at Valley Church at 5063 Maple Road in Vacaville, CA. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to NorthBay Home Health and Hospice 5140 Business Center Drive, Suite 130, Fairfield, CA 94534 - Attn: Veronica Wertz.