Joseph Paul Leonelli

Lt. Col. Joseph P. Leonelli (ret.) age 91 from Patterson, New Jersey and recently Birmingham, Alabama, died June 5th 2016. He was born September 28th 1924 to parents Giovanna Crognali and Dominico Leonelli.

Joseph is preceded in death by his bride, Maudine B. Leonelli, with whom he enjoyed 62 wonderful years; son, John B. Torsey; brother, Peter Leonelli; and sisters, Marie Murray and Rose Grandin. He is survived by his daughters, Paula E. Stokes, Lynn L. Graves, and Lisa L. Farris; and daughter-in-law, Janice Torsey. He was blessed with six grandchildren Pete Torsey (Nichole), Paul Stone (Syndi), Rebecca Lowman (Vince), Joe Torsey, Johnny Torsey, and Scott Farris (Jane); and ten great grandchildren Sam Torsey, Jackson Torsey, DJ Stone, Gavin Stone, Jacob Stone, Ethan Lowman, Garrett Lowman, Reagan Lowman, Luke Farris, and George Farris.

He began his military career by serving 3 years with the United States Marine Corps. He retired from the United States Air Force after a distinguished career of 24 years where he flew C-130 Air Rescue and Recovery. He was a Veteran of WWII, Korean and Vietnam Wars. Following retirement, he had a successful career as a realtor in Columbus, Mississippi. After relocating to Birmingham he spent time with family and did volunteer work with Oak Mountain Ministries located in Pelham, AL.

Visitation will be held Friday, June 10th 2016 from 10 – 12 at Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham. Burial and graveside service will be held at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

The family wishes to extend deep appreciation to the staff of The Camellia Medical Group, Dr. Preston Harrison and caregivers, Karen Carvin, Kiara Baker and Erica Carpenter.