Hospice visit yesterday with a true, American hero who served his country in WWII, the Korean War and also the Vietnam War as a member of the United States Marine Corps. There before me sat retired Master Gunnery Sergeant Art Leone, wearing his red and gold Marine Corps sweat shirt. He soon recognized me and with that million dollar smile he greeted me, doing the best he could to shake my hand. Well noted for his "terrific hand shakes," he seemed a tad taken back that he couldn't do what he once did all the time. I presented him with some blueberry-cheese cake from Heidi and his smile once again glowed, knowing what he was going to eat. He had already partook homemade pastries from Heidi and he knew he was in for a good thing. We chatted a bit about the weather and his wonderful view from his window of bird-feeders, depicting tons of varieties of beautiful birds. He told me that he had seen two deer coming up to the window two days ago. Once again his faced glowed with that great, Italian smile. As I turned in my chair, I noticed on the shelf there was a portrait of his wife and a copy of the famous photo from 1962 of Art on the cover of the "St.Louis Post Dispatch," Sunday paper. Around the room were also pictures of his grandson and other family members. What a wonderful treat it was for me to be with this person of small stature, but of huge contribution to his country and his beloved Marine Corps. We don't know how much time we have left with him, but what we do know is that another member of the "Greatest Generation," will depart our presence, and I just wanted to say how lucky I am to have known a genuine, American hero!
The comments above were written on or about 12 July. Art Canham and I got to visit with Art the day he passed. I walked in the room where Art Canham sat quietly with tears running down his face. I then looked at our pal Art who seemed that he was trying very hard to say something but couldn't. I grasped his hand and told him privately how I felt about him and then I asked him to "let go," so that he could join his beautiful wife. Those were my last words to him. I watched as Art Canham said his goodbyes...two old veterans who put their lives on the line many times for their country were now at the end. This was remarkable for me because it was befitting that Art Canham and I were there for Art's last day on Earth. You see, we three were the "Senior NCOs of our VFW and we always sat together at our special table." We shall miss our brother deeply, but we shall forever remember with pride who this man was, what he did for his country and his contributions to the United States Marine Corps...Rest in peace old friend...

Tony, Mary, and Zac our prayers are with you.  Your father's service to his country is appreciated. He taught you well as you have been a wonderful son, father and husband.  I'm sorry for your loss and hope you frequently remember the good times you had with him and your mother.  They are together again.

Tony, Mary and Zac,
Our sympathies on your loss.  
Gary and Kelly Smith

SEMPER FI - FELLOW MARINE 
THANK YOU - FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY.
You are one of our heroes. 
We will remember you always and miss you dearly.
Take your Warrior's rest for a duty well done. 

I wish to extend to members of your family my deepest sympathy on their loss. May the force of GOD be with them as they walk through this difficult time. May the loving promises of our LORD and Savior comfort them and give them strength.

As a grateful Veteran, I leave my sympathy and hope you accept this as a small token of appreciation for the honorable and faithful service rendered by your loved one to our Country.

SEMPER FI
U. S. MARINE AND VIET NAM VET

OBITUARY

Ret. Master Sgt. Arthur L. Leone

25 January, 1921 – 9 August, 2013

Valhalla-Gaerdner-Holten Funeral Home & Valhalla Gardens

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services