Reno Donald Leoni Jr went to be with the Lord July 24th, 2021. Reno was born January 5th, 1936 and grew up in Beaufort County, NC with his father Reno Leoni, mother Willie Mae Harrison along with his sister Lucille & brother Ellis. Following his graduation from Bath High School he pursued several opportunities of technical education and training through the U.S. Army Radar School, NASA Space Tracking School, the Goddard Space Flight Center & the Wilson Technical Institute where he received his Associates of Applied Science in Electronics Engineering Technology degree.
In 1960 Reno began working for Philco-Ford Corp; a career that allowed him the opportunity to travel around the world. It was while working in Bolivia, South America that he met and married his wife, Bertha. They continued to travel together eventually choosing to settle down in Charlotte, NC after the birth of their daughters, Angela & Grace. It was in Charlotte that Reno bought his family a home where they would live for many years. And also, here where Reno, Angela & Grace would say a very early, unexpected ‘goodbye’ to Bertha in 1982. Reno then proved himself to be the very best Daddy to his two little girls who he lovingly called his “mean things”. They spent every Sunday at St John Neumann Catholic Church followed by lunch together and a visit to the grave site of their mother. As a single parent he showed himself to be endlessly selfless always putting Angela’s and Grace’s needs first. He was extremely proud to have put Angela through school at UNCC. Allowing her the opportunity to follow in his footsteps and earn her BS in Electrical Engineering degree.
Eventually Reno was blessed with the arrival of two grandchildren, Isabella & Noah. Reno very much enjoyed playing the role of Pawpaw joining the kids at the park and taking them to Wendy’s for cheeseburgers. It was also during these later years that Reno was blessed with a newfound friendship through his son-in-law Keith. Far more than a typical in-law relationship, Reno & Keith were true friends and enjoyed spending time together. As Reno needed more assistance, it was more often than not Keith he would turn to for help.
Visitation will be held at St Luke’s Catholic Church on Saturday 7/31 from 1-2 PM with a Mass following at 2:00 PM. Interment will be immediately after at Sunset Memory Gardens followed by a reception at Grace’s home.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18