Fred F Leone II

Fred F. Leone II, 71, of Columbia, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 11, 2021 at Hartford Hospital with his children and beloved dog, Danny, by his side. Born in Hartford on September 9, 1949, a son of the late Angelo J. and Ellen (Gallagher) Leone, he had been a resident of Columbia since 1996. Fred was originally from East Hartford, where he grew up on the Leone Tobacco Farm. He was very proud of his family heritage and was always eager to share a story about the fond memories of his younger years there. Fred was a graduate of East Catholic High School, Class of 1967, where he played basketball, a sport that brought much joy to his life. He was a basketball coach at St. Christopher School, East Hartford for six years during the time his children were enrolled there. He enjoyed watching all levels of the sport, but the Boston Celtics was his most cherished team. Fred graduated from John Carroll University in Cleveland, OH in 1971 with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. In addition to his collegiate studies, he played rugby and basketball for the Blue Streaks. He began his professional career working at The Hartford Insurance Group. Fred went on to become a successful business man founding Leone Insurance Agency Incorporated in 1982, a business he operated until his recent retirement. To be one of Fred’s clients, was to be considered family. He was known for his witty sense of humor, sharp mathematical mind, competitive nature and love of cooking. He was a life member of the NRA and the Andover Sportsman’s Club. Fred enjoyed hunting, fishing and spent many memorable days afield with his son and closest friends. He was an accomplished and well-traveled trap shooter, competing in registered shoots all over the East Coast. In addition to his love of the sport, he will be remembered for sharing his gift of cooking with the Andover Sportsman’s Club family. Fred could be found most Sundays preparing meals for the clubs members. As a son, brother, husband, father and grandfather, Fred’s memories will live on in our hearts forever.

He is survived by his wife of over 26 years, Mary Lou (Rochette) Leone of Columbia; his son, Fred F. Leone III and his girlfriend Toni Caruolo of Ellington; his daughter, Dawn Benson and her husband Jeff Benson of Manchester; and two adored grandchildren Marissa and Ryan Benson both of Manchester. He also leaves a brother, Gary M. Leone of Michigan; a sister, Linda L. Lynn and her husband Thomas of Boca Raton, FL; a special aunt, Joan Maschi and her husband Robert of East Hartford; several nieces, nephews, cousins, former clients, and dear friends.

Funeral service will be Friday (June 18, 2021) with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 11 am at St. Christopher Church of St. Edmund Campion Parish, 538 Brewer Street, East Hartford. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, (Section R2), Burnside Avenue, East Hartford. There are no calling hours. Everyone is asked to please go directly to the church on Friday morning. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Fred’s memory may be made to the Hartford Hospital Fund Development, ICU 8th Floor, 80 Seymour Street, Hartford, CT 06102. Fred’s family would like to extend their sincere gratitude and appreciation to the entire staff at Hartford Hospital ICU on the 8th Floor of the main building for their professionalism, special care, love, and compassion given to Fred and his entire family. The D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford has been entrusted with the care of the funeral arrangements. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www.desopoeh.com.