Leon Rocco Saya's Obituary
Leon Rocco Saya ‘The BEAR’, August 21, 1936, from Syracuse, NY and Tampa, FL passed away on the birthday of his mother Rose on May 20, 2020. He is predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Rose (Riccardi) Saya; aunt and uncle, Connie Saya (Rocky) Grillo; father-in-Law, John Corona; brother-in-law, Merino Merola; friend, Rev. Joe Conte, and FiFi, his cocker spaniel.
Leon is survived by his very loving and supportive sister, JoAnne Merola; twin brothers, Joseph (Margaret) and Nicholas Saya of Pulaski; 5 children, Catherine Saya-Boyle, Rosemarie Saya, Joseph (Geralyn) Saya, Leon Saya, and Leslie Saya Scarfino; former wife, Catherine Corona Saya; 5 grandchildren, Patrick Boyle (Thien An Huynh), Jared and Mari Saya, Dominic and Stella Scarfino; mother-in-law, Stella Corona; sons-in-law, Mark Scarfino and Michael Boyle; several beloved nieces, nephews and cousins, and companion Patricia Whalen of Tampa, FL and North Carolina.
He graduated from North High School in 1954 and Lemoyne College. He was in the Army Reserves for 8 years alongside lifelong friend, Frank R. Delia. Leon opened Saya Sporting Goods on Butternut Street in the 50’s, one of the first to showcase Riddell and Wilson line equipment, then went on to work for his lifelong friend whom he missed always, Tony Santaro at Santaro Trucking. After a short term with Leo F. Ferris Real Estate, Leon established Saya Real Estate and operated a successful business until his retirement, at such time 2 of his children took over and still actively operate to this day.
Leon was a proud older brother of hardworking, athletic, and funny twins ‘Casper’ (Joe) and ‘Jasper’ (Nick), who owned and operated, with their father, Saya Sheet Metal, in the building behind the Real Estate office, for well over 40 years, and nicknamed ‘double trouble’ during their North High School football careers.
Leon was an avid sportsman, loved to fish on Lake Ontario and the Salmon River in his younger years; he played basketball and baseball, pitching a ‘no hitter’ during his school years.
Leon was a Syracuse University Season Ticket holder for years and a member of the Orange Pack, a huge SU fan, great memories taking his kids to football games at Archbold Stadium, and then the Carrier Dome. Lifelong supporter of the Syracuse Chief’s and huge NY Yankee fan.
Leon faithfully attended all of his 5 children’s sporting events through their school and college years, always cheering in the stands!
Leon had a great sense of humor, even in these last months, he loved his Italian heritage and Italian food, and was a regular sitting on his front porch on Hampton Road (33 years), reading the paper, in his pajamas and eating Charlie Chips! At gatherings, he loved telling classic stories about all his lifelong friends, and the mischief they, most times, caused!
A quote from our cousin Fran Dzikowski: He was an ‘environmentalist’ before it was in Vogue!, as if you knew Leon, he loved to ‘save’ on water, heat, electric, and the list goes on!
A communicant of Our Lady of Pompei Church, he prided himself in saying the rosary and reading his bible daily, strong Catholic faith growing up and very active with his church in Tampa, Florida as well.
Private funeral services entrusted to THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME. To attend the services remotely on Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at 1:00 pm., please use the link on Leon’s tribute page at www.tjpfuneralhome.com. He will be laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery Mausoleum.
Donations may be made to the Jim and Julie Boeheim Foundation.
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