Gerald Michael Leone

Gerald Michael Leone was called home by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on April 20, 2018 at the age of 87. He was born in the Bronx, New York on February 14, 1931 to the late Anton Leone and Theresa D’Acunto Leone. He is predeceased in death by his siblings, Mary Leone Galvin, Ann Leone McDonald, Ida Leone, Louis Leone, and Antonio Leone. He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Dorothy Juhas Leone. Loving father of Angela Leone Costa (Steven), Teresa Leone Vance (James), Gerald Anthony Leone, and Gina Leone. Cherished grandfather to Lauren Vance and Leonora Hotstream. Also survived by a host of loving nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Gerald, “Mr. Jerry”, moved to the New Orleans area in the late 1950’s after serving honorably in the United States Marine Corps. In the mid 1960’s, he embarked on a 37 year career with the New Orleans Fire Department, retiring as Captain in 2002. It was a job that he absolutely loved and he acquired many lifelong friends from his distinguished service to the Fire Department. After retirement, his favorite hobby was his family and friends who adored him and are too numerous to mention by name. But all cherished, indeed. He was always there for anything you needed and he enjoyed quality time with these many cherished people. Among those, were the many friendships he made at the Wellness Center/Cardiac Rehab at East Jefferson General Hospital where he was a member for many years and he enjoyed his time there. He was also a member of the Our Lady of Divine Providence Men’s Club in the 70’s and early 80’s and he enjoyed his volunteer work there with the Annual Parish Fair.

Truly, his children were his life and his passion and he was an integral part of the very fabric of their lives. They all shared his love of music, and there were many parties and great times shared with all the time they had together. He traveled extensively with them and enjoyed many trips to the beach, the mountains, and his birthplace, New York City and the surrounding areas. He also used these trips to visit friends and family where he enjoyed many enriching reunions, and good times. One of his favorite trips was a family trip to Italy to see the birthplace of his parents, where he enjoyed the beautiful countryside and meeting his Italian relatives.

There were countless people in his life who considered him a dear, dear friend. Jerry was a gentleman and a gem to all who knew him. His presence will be greatly missed. We all love you and will miss you very much.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Funeral Mass in the Chapel of Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd in New Orleans on Friday, April 27, 2018 at 1:00pm. Visitation is from 10:00am to 1:00 pm. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the New Orleans Musician’s Clinic and Assistance Foundation.