Bonifacio (Barney) Pietro (Peter) Leone, age 99 passed away in his sleep on Monday, February 26, 2024, at his home in West Hills, CA. He was born on September 25, 1924, in New York City to Pietro (Peter) and Angelina Leone. He was a proud resident of the Bronx and always identified as a South Bronx native.
He was a 1942 Graduate of James Monroe High School. After graduating high school, he proudly served in the U.S. Navy during World War II from 1943 - 1946, achieving a rank of Motor Mechanic's Mate Second Class. His tour of duty included China, the Philippines and Iwo Jima where he witnessed the famous raising of the U.S. flag atop Mt. Suribachi.
He received the Victory Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, Letter of Commendation and the Asiatic Pacific Medal.
Barney married Philomena (Phyllis) Vicari on September 24, 1949 in the Bronx, New York. He initially worked for the New York City Transit Authority as a mechanic, but his heart and passion were rooted in the Bible and the teachings of Jesus. He began a lifetime journey serving as Senior Pastor in the Mount Vernon, New York, Christian Assembly Church from 1959 -1963 and then in Warren, Ohio at The Christian Assembly Church from 1963 - 1991 until his retirement in 1991.
Following his retirement, Barney and Phyllis moved to Los Angeles, CA to be closer to family. Barney was a member of Calvary Community Church in Westlake Village, California.
Over time, Barney found his final connection to a mission in joining the Veterans group "Wings Over Wendy's". He engaged in numerous educational events concerning the events of World War II and the sacrifice of those who fought and died in the service of freedom. He developed close ties to the many Veterans living in Southern California.
He enjoyed speaking at schools, churches and at memorial events about his time in the Pacific Theater in WWII. Highlights included being honored at the L.A. Dodgers playoff game in 2023, being honored at the LA Galaxy Soccer Game and being part of the the "Secrets of WWII" exhibit at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. He also loved meeting and spending time with Gary Sinise. When he was not speaking, Barney could be found cooking Italian food, gardening, fishing at the Malibu Pier, "holding court" at the Topanga Mall Food Court, or sitting in the front yard of his home in West Hills singing and greeting neighbors. He cherished his time with family and became lifetime friends with so many people that he met over the course of his long life.
Barney was preceded in death by his wife of over 50 years whom he loved dearly, Phyllis Leone. He is survived by his three children, his Son Paul Leone of Pittsburg, PA, his Daughter, Ruthanne Bright of Simi Valley, CA his Son Dr. Peter Leone of Chapel Hill, N.C., His 6 Grandchildren, Jennifer Leone Rountree, Michael Bright, Gina Bright Spivey, Benjamin Leone, Mireille Leone and Gavin Leone and his 7 Great Grandchildren, Payton Spivey, Dominick Spivey, Mac Bright, Margaux Bright, Greyson Rountree, Natalia Leone and Luca Leone and his caretaker and "Buddy" Tony Cubarrubia who will always be part of our family.
His memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 10th at 3:00 P.M. at Calvary Community Church, 5495 Via Rocas in Westlake Village, CA, 91362.
Interment will be on Monday, March 11th at 10:00 A.M. at Pierce Brothers Mortuary, 5600 Lindero Canyon Road, Westlake Village, CA 91362
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in the name of Barney Leone to the Gary Sinise Foundation or to Calvary Community Church, Westlake Village, CA.
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