Margaret Leone

“Peggy, Momma Leone, Grammy”

January 9, 1931 – December 30, 2024

It is with heartbreaking sadness we share the news that Margaret Leone, better known as “Grammy” to her family and friends, passed away peacefully at home on December 30, 2024, ten days shy of her 94th birthday.

Margaret (Obidienzo) was preceded in death by her husband Joseph. She is survived by her sons Jeffrey and Daniel, daughter-in-law Donna (Savino), cherished grandson, Joseph Thomas, and many nieces and nephews.

Margaret is predeceased by her parents, John Battista and Nicoletta (Spero) Obidienzo and 10 brothers and sisters. She was born in Manhattan and then raised in Corona, New York, where she attended P.S. 14 and Newtown High School. While in high school, she took part in a work study program in Manhattan and rode the train to Rockefeller Center. She worked at a variety of jobs including a clerical job in a Corona clothing store, at the Bulova Watch company and one day at a catering hall.

On June 1, 1952, at St. Leo’s Church, Margaret married her childhood sweetheart, Joseph. They lived on 51st Avenue surrounded by her parents, siblings and their spouses and children. They were a tight-knit family who enjoyed many good times together. Margaret & Joseph raised two sons, Jeffrey and Daniel. Margaret was involved at St. Leo’s school teaching girls’ volleyball. They moved to Flushing in 1974, and she worked several years at Fashion Barn, a women’s clothing store.

After retirement Margaret enjoyed doing projects around the house, cooking and baking, and spending time with her family. Margaret and Joseph often opened their home up to Jeffrey and Daniel’s friends who would come over to play music. She never minded the guitars, keyboards and drums and made all the boys feel at home there while preparing meals for them. Many of those men still recount fond memories of those days.

In 1997, Daniel and Donna gave birth to a son. Margaret was thrilled to have a grandson, Joseph, and a new name – Grammy. For the past 27 years, Grammy and Joseph shared so many experiences together. He has learned to bake her famous Easter Pie and Christmas cookies and will keep those traditions going.

In 2014, Margaret suffered a stroke which left her unable to walk. Her husband Joseph cared for her with so much love and tenderness until he passed away in 2020. Since then, Jeffrey was by her side 24/7 to see to her care along with her long time aides Mouni, Tondeley, Dorothy and Christine.

Margaret will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but especially her immediate family. She was the sole survivor of all her siblings and their spouses. Her passing signifies the end of an era.

The arrangements for Margaret’s services are as follows:

Wake: Monday, January 6, 2025

Frederick Funeral Home, 192-15 Northern Boulevard, Flushing, NY 11358

2:00 – 3:00 Family only

3:00 – 9:00 All are welcome

Funeral Mass: Tuesday, January 7, 2025

9:45 AM Mary’s Nativity Church, 46-02 Parsons Boulevard, Flushing, NY 11355

Deacon Brian Mannix will co-officiate the service.

Burial immediately following at Mount St. Mary Cemetery, 172-00 Booth Memorial Avenue, Flushing, NY 11365

Online condolences may be expressed at Frederick’s website.

Those who wish to express their sympathy are encouraged to make a donation to Calvary Hospice or to your favorite charity in Margaret Leone’s name.

https://fund.calvaryhospital.org/ways-to-give/memorial-and-tribute-gifts/

or by mail to:

Calvary Hospital, Attn: The Calvary Fund, 1740 Eastchester Rd, Bronx, NY 10461