Francis C. Leccese

Francis C. 'Frank' Leccese, 72, of Manchester and a long-time resident of East Hartford, peacefully passed away after a long illness on Saturday, January 23, 2010 at his home with his caring family by his side. Frank was the loving husband of fifty years to Dolores (Miceli) Leccese. Born in Brooklyn, NY on February 16, 1937, a son of the late Francis C. and Frances (King) Leccese, he had been a resident of East Hartford for most of his life prior to moving to Manchester a short time ago. Frank was a proud veteran of the U. S. Air Force serving during and after the Korean War. Prior to his retirement, Frank was employed for thirty years by UPS as a tractor-trailer driver. Frank would enjoy playing golf and horseshoes, but most of all was a family man who treasured his time spent with his loved ones. Besides his beloved wife, Dolores, Frank is survived by two daughters, Darlene A. Burnham and her husband, Phil, of East Hartford, Corinne M. Pike and her husband, Greg, of South Windsor; a son, Dean Leccese and his wife, Kim, of Amston; five special grandchildren, Philip Burnham, Jr. and Brittany Burnham both of East Hartford, Kyle Mischel of South Windsor, Mitchel Leccese and Elise Leccese both of Amston. He also leaves a brother, Ken Leccese and his wife, Katherine, of Warren, NY; two sisters, Patricia Gervais of Hope Valley, RI, Judy Leccese of Dickson City, PA; five sisters-in-law, Rose Pappagallo of East Hartford, Patricia Donofrio and her husband, Richard, of East Hartford, Antoinette Donofrio and her husband, Thomas, of East Hartford, Carol Capoldo of Fort Pierce, FL, Mary Seymour of Orlando, FL; several nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Funeral services will be Wednesday, January 27 at 9 a.m. from the D'ESOPO-East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 carter Street, East Hartford with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, corner of Main Street/Maplewood Avenue, East Hartford. Burial with military honors will follow at Veteran's Memorial Field-Silver lane Cemetery, East Hartford. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home chapel on Tuesday January 26 from 4-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Frank's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association of Greater Hartford, 279 New Britain Road, Suite 5, Kensington, CT 06037. Frank's family would like to extend their sincere gratitude and appreciation to his three caregivers, Jennifer, Phiona, and Donetta for their professionalism, care, love, and compassion given to Frank and his entire family. For any on-line expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www.desopo.com.