Anthony Leone
Benld |
Anthony "Tony" Wayne Leone, 83, of Benld, IL, passed away peacefully at the hospital surrounded by his family on September 15, 2021.
Tony was born on March 4, 1938, in Litchfield, IL to the late Anton and Irma (Benedetti) Leone, both of Benld. Tony graduated high school from Benld High School in 1956. He worked in the family business, Leone Lumber Inc. He went to SIUC and Rolla School of Mining and was also in the Army Reserves. He and his family returned to Benld in 1967 to become a partner at Leone Lumber. He became sole owner and retired in 2000.
Tony married "his bride" Gerrie Wall on May 2, 1964. He always said I ran into a "wall" and married her. They spent 57 wonderful years together. Their biggest bucket list was playing golf in all 50 states. They traveled the United States with their golf clubs in the car. He never had a care in the world except to get his wife to church every Sunday. They enjoyed their life to the fullest, but most of all loved being together. He was an avid bowler and even got a 300 game ring. He enjoyed spending time on his beloved back patio. Many laughs, tears, beverages, and memories were shared on that patio. There isn't a child he knew that didn't get quarters pulled from their ears. He loved cutting the grass and taking care of the yard with his pride and joy mowers. He would scare friends and family cutting the hill, but he was stubborn until the end.
Desserts were his favorites and everyone knew it. Never had to ask who ate the missing desserts because we knew who it was. Family meant the world to him and he would do anything for any of them no questions asked, but when should I be there. He enjoyed delivering meals for the Nutrition Center making lots of friends and memories. Whether it be inside or outside he loved feeding the birds and watching them come to his feeder, just would get mad at the squirrels. He was especially fond of his neighbors that did so much for him. He was active with the K of C's, Rotary, Owls, Lions and Croatian Lodge. He was on the St. Joseph's Church Board, an usher and involved with church projects.
Tony is survived by his wife Gerrie of Benld, IL, son, Rick (Bambi) Leone of Guam, USA, daughter, Randi Leone (Jim) Wescoat of Port Orange, FL, grandchildren, Jay, DeAnn, Bret, Heather, Kimberly, great-grandchildren, Mason, Ethan, Tucker, Tyson, Truman, Lydia, Logan, brother, James (Kerin) Leone, sister Della Kay Sullivan (Scott) Millick, sister Cheryl (Jim) McKay, sisters in law, Susie & Spike Briggs, Maureen & Gary Mueth, Patti & Marv Albert, several nieces and nephews who all thought the world of him.
In addition to his parents, Tony was preceded in death by his niece, Gigi Sauzek.
Visitation will be on Saturday, September 18, 2021 at St. Joseph's Church, Benld, IL from 10-11:30 am. Funeral mass will be on Saturday, September 18, 2021 at St. Joseph's Church, Benld, IL at 11:30 am with Father Michael Haag officiating.
Memorials are suggested to the Build Benld, Benld Nutrition Center, Benld Library, Adopt A Pet, or St. Joseph's Altar Society. Anyone wishing to send an online condolence may do so at www.kravanyafuneral.com. Kravanya Funeral Home is in charge.
Kravanya Funeral Home
