Edward Americo Leone's Obituary
Edward Americo Leone, 82, of Syracuse, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2016 at St. Camillus after a long illness faced head on with courage, strength, determination and inspiration to all.
He was the youngest son of Italian immigrants, Joseph and Anna, having the distinction of being the only sibling born in this country. Edward was given the middle name of Americo by his parents as an expression of their love for their new homeland, America.
As a young teen, he spent his junior and senior years at CBA where he “Lit” up the football field with his talent. “The Leone Line” at CBA now had its beginning. He continued his education at LeMoyne College graduating with a B.S. in Economics in 1955. His was the first graduating class at its current location.
Not knowing exactly what path to take next, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy serving his country as a Radarman aboard the U.S. Navy Destroyer Escort the USS Carpellatti. He was offered a commission after his tour but turned it down favoring a return to home and family and eager to start a new career.
He then began his quest to continue his education earning graduate hours from Syracuse University’s MBA Program in Accounting and Management. This led to a career as Business Manager and Purchasing Agent for the East Syracuse-Minoa School District and the NYS Department of Taxation.
Using his knowledge of Management, Ed discovered a new career and interest in Nursing Home Administration. He received Licensure from NYS Department of Health and soon became Director of Administrative Services at Plaza Nursing Home in Syracuse and then became Administrator and Chief Executive Officer of the 242 bed facility. Ed dedicated himself to improving the quality of life for the elderly and received national attention as spokesperson for Plaza’s “Right to Die” patient case.
During his years in the Nursing Home Industry, he had numerous professional affiliations as Trustee-Hospital Association of NYS – 9 year term; Trustee-Central New York Hospital Association-9 year term; Trustee- University Hill Corporation; Trustee-Past President Syracuse Home Association; Trustee-Past President Syracuse Home Foundation.
Beyond his professional life Ed had an interest in politics. He ran for and was elected Sixth Ward Supervisor for the Republican Party in Syracuse. He especially enjoyed reading and writing about his Italian heritage and composing stories from memories as the son of a hard working immigrant, from a small village north of Naples, and the importance of mixing Italian traditions with those of this country.
Above all of this, his greatest joy was in the everyday life of family. Husband, father and grandfather were his most important roles in life. Ed was a husband and father who would do anything and everything for his family, and he was a loving grandfather who during his most difficult and challenging days was still excited to use an iPad. His most difficult challenge was leaving his family.
He was predeceased by his brothers, Sylvester and Manuel and his sister, Florence.
Ed is survived by his wife, Rosemary {Palladino} Leone; son, Matthew (Margaret); daughter, Stephanie (Todd) Keehfus, and his son and best friend, Eddie who was his loving and devoted caregiver for the past two years; his beloved grandchildren, Madison, Santino Americo, Delaney and Piper who kept sunshine and laughter in his heart. He also leaves behind loving nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Edward Americo’s family would like to send a special thank you to the staff at the Dialysis Center in the VA Hospital and St. Joseph’s Dialysis Center in Camillus for their care, kindness, and support and also to the staff at St. Camillus for their excellent care.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, August 30, 2016 from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM at St. Cecilia’s Church, 1001 Woods Rd., Solvay, NY, immediately followed by a Funeral Mass in celebration of Edward’s life at 11:00 AM at the church. Burial will follow in Assumption Cemetery. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd St., New York, NY 10016 or visit www.kidney.org/donate
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