Francis "Frank" A. Leone

Attorney Frank A. Leone of East Hartford died surrounded by loved ones on Thursday, June 11, 2026, following a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Hartford on September 29, 1949, he was the youngest son of the late Alvin C. and Rosemary “Missy” (Pallotti) Leone. He was a graduate of Kingswood School, where he was a Prefect–a senior selected for outstanding leadership qualities to mentor younger students, a three-sport varsity athlete, captain of the wrestling team, sports editor of the student newspaper, and the recipient of the Andrew Blodgett Award, given to the student “possessing qualities of helpfulness, friendliness, and good citizenship,” traits that defined him throughout his life. Frank received a B.A. in English from Wesleyan University, where he earned three varsity letters in wrestling, played one year of football, and gained a cadre of steadfast, lifelong friends, many of whom made tremendous efforts to visit him during his illness.

After receiving his J.D. from Suffolk University, Frank was admitted to the Connecticut Bar and joined and later became a partner in Leone, Throwe, Teller and Nagle, the East Hartford law firm founded by his father and where he practiced law with his brother and law partner Bill and later, his niece Valerie.

A lifelong resident of East Hartford, he served his community in a multitude of capacities, including as past Chair of the East Hartford YMCA Board of Managers, a corporator of Hartford Healthcare, past Chair of the East Hartford VNA Board of Directors, a Trustee of North American Martyrs Parish, and as President of the Raymond Library Company. In recognition of his commitment to community service, the East Hartford Rotary Club named him a Paul Harris Fellow in 2025. Throughout his life, he enjoyed working with the youth in his community. He spent his high school and college summers as a counselor at High Meadow Day Camp and later dedicated ten years to coaching youth baseball in East Hartford, mentoring many players (who still refer to him as “Coach”) throughout their lives. For over 40 years he played Santa, handing out gifts to children at the annual neighborhood Christmas tree lighting.

An avid golfer, he was a member of Ellington Ridge Country Club for over 40 years, serving on numerous committees and on its Board of Governors. In recent years, he was also a member of Black Hall Club in Old Lyme.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brother William A. Leone. He is survived by the love of his life Joanna Kelliher, who was a devoted caregiver and dedicated advocate for him throughout his illness; his brother Rev. Bryan A. Leone and his wife Katherine; his sister-in-law Beverly Leone; and five nieces and nephews and their families whose lives were shaped by his profound influence: Christina Leone; Melissa Leone Delaney, her husband Richard, and their children Andrew, Ryan, and Kaitlyn; Valerie Leone Calciano, her husband Dominick, and their children Gianna, Dominick, and Liliana; Dr. Timothy Leone, his wife Jennifer, and their children Nicholas and Anthony; and Emily Leone. The legacy of his generous spirit and wise counsel will continue to guide the family for generations to come. The family thanks his many loyal friends who formed a tremendous network of care over the entire course of his illness, providing rides to treatments, emotional support, and companionship. Thanks as well to the many medical professionals at Dana Farber, Spalding Rehabilitation, Yale Cancer Center, Gaylord Physical Therapy, Hospital for Special Care, Hartford Healthcare, Jefferson House, and Right at Home for their compassionate care.

Frank’s family will receive friends and relatives at D’Esopo-East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford on Friday, June 19 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 20 at St. Patrick-St. Anthony Church, 285 Church Street, Hartford (please go directly to the church). Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery (Section B), Burnside Avenue, East Hartford.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the YMCA of Greater Hartford, East Hartford Branch (https://www.ghymca.org/donate/tribute-gifts). Please specify the East Hartford YMCA, in memory of Frank A. Leone. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopoeh.com