Obituary of Anthony Joseph Leone, Sr.

Anthony J. Leone, Sr. Age 94. Passed away peacefully on Friday, January 13, 2017. Born June 1, 1922 in Joliet to the late Anna (nee Cirricione) and Salvatore Leone. A proud WWII US Navy Veteran, he served aboard the U.S.S. Essex (Aircraft Carrier CV9) and saw action throughout the Asiatic-Pacific areas from 1943-1945. Anthony was a life member of VFW Cantigny Post #367, serving on the honor guard. He retired from the EJ&E Railroad after over 42 years of service. In his retirement, he and Rita enjoyed traveling throughout the United States to various USS Essex Navy reunions. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening and picking mushrooms. He was proud of his family, his country and his faith. His absence as the head of our family will leave our hearts broken, but his strength of character, gentle love and life-long service to others will serve as testimony of a life well-lived and most importantly, well loved. Anthony is survived by his loving and caring wife of 67 years, Rita (nee Stanislaus); two sons, Kenneth (Cheryl) Leone and Anthony (Sara) Leone, Jr. five grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren; one brother, Fred (the late Libby) Leone and several nieces and nephews. Preceded by his parents, his sister Frances (the late Albert C.) Pomykala and great-granddaughter Madelyn Leone. Funeral Services for Anthony Leone, Sr. will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at 9:15 a.m. from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet, IL to St. Patrick Catholic Church, 710 W Marion St., Joliet, IL where a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. Visitation Friday at the funeral home from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his memory to either St. Patrick’s Church or Honor Flight Chicago. For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com.