WESTFIELD - Angelo Mario Leone, 91, died Sunday, September 11th, 2005. Angelo was born in Chester on June 27, 1914, a son of the late Vincenzo and Theresa (Dicupis) Leone, was educated in the Chester school system, and had also attended A.I.C. Business School. His early years, prior to World War II, spent in Chester, included his dedication and enjoyment of playing semi pro baseball with his brother Tony, eventually becoming a local baseball coach . His enthusiasm for the sport made him a life long fan of the New York Yankees. Many of his mementos from this period can be found in the Chester Historical Society.

Angelo also participated in the Civilian Conservation Corp. during the 1930s, and had worked in the Chester Post Office. However, during this period he felt his proudest accomplishment was that of a "Set Man", doing stone work for the Granite Shed in Chester.

During World War II, Angelo proudly served his country in the United States Army, serving first in the 82nd Airborne and then the 508 Regiment, and was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant.

A resident of Westfield since 1962, he had also previously lived in Huntington. A devoted husband, he was married for thirty nine years to the former Kathryn Thebodo who predeceased him in 1985. Three brothers, Joseph, Raymond, and Tony, also predeceased Angelo He was a member of St. Mary's Church in Westfield. Prior to his retirement, Angelo had worked for the Bendix Corp., Westfield, and previously had also worked at Hamilton, Emery, and Coroundum, Chester.

Angelo is survived by his beloved daughter, Anne Bodendorf and husband Kurt of Westfield; 2 cherished granddaughters, Karen Bodendorf of Westfield, and Kristen Hale and husband Phillip of Chicopee; and a dear brother, Amadeo "Tommy" Leone of Westfield.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, (Sept. 15th) at 10:30 am in Southwick Forastiere Funeral Home, 624 College Highway (Highway 10 and 202) Southwick, followed by burial in St. Thomas Cemetery, Huntington. Calling hours are Wednesday at the funeral home from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Donations in Angelo's memory may be made to the Chester Historical Society c/o Town Hall, 1 Middlefield Road, Chester, Massachusetts 01011.

(The Republican, Springfield, MA, 13 Sep 2005, Page B4, courtesy of Tedd Cocker))

 

(courtesy of Donna (Strout) Sakaske)

Grave markers for Angelo M. Leone and spouse.

Angelo enlisted at Springfield, MA on 3/18/1941.  a native of : Massachusetts, he lived in Hampden county, MA at that time.

SSgt Leone transferred to the 513th PIR on August 18, 1945