Francis Steven Leale

March 30, 1959 – May 10, 2026

Francis Leale, a lifelong Rockland County, NY resident, passed away on May 10, 2026, at the age of 67. Francis was predeceased by his parents, Salvatore and Idabelle (Bess) Leale, his brother, Salvatore Leale Jr., and brother-in-law John Argenzio. He leaves behind a devoted family who loved him dearly, including his sister, Angela Argenzio, of Orangeburg, NY; niece and goddaughter, Regina Argenzio, his brother Drew Leale and sister-in-law Judy of Waretown, NJ; and his sister-in-law Susan Leale. Francis was a doting son to his mom, Bessie, and idolized his older brothers Drew and Sal, who served as his anchors while growing up.

Raised in Orangeburg, NY, Francis attended Tappan Zee High School, where he excelled as a star athlete and, at the time, was the all-time leader in goals scored for the hockey team. His passion for sports continued throughout his life. An avid baseball and softball player, he was a formidable shortstop for the Deer Head softball league, the premier fast-pitch and competitive league in the NY metropolitan area. Francis was a fiercely loyal fan of the New York Yankees, New York Rangers, and Dallas Cowboys; but his love for the Rangers and especially the Yankees trumped all. For 30 years, Francis brought his unparalleled work ethic and skill to the Javits Center in New York City, where he was often recognized for his performance and reliability as a Show Carpenter, serving as a dedicated, loyal member of local 2287 labor union.

Affectionately known as "Franny" to his many friends, he possessed a playful humor and magnetic personality that made him easy to love and a joy to be around. He held a deep appreciation for seeing the beauty in nature, a profound love for animals – especially his dogs, Buffy, Metaxa, and Jason, and birds Norton and Birdie – and passion for nice cars. Francis was known for his way with children; his nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews were drawn to him instinctively. Francis found his greatest joy in the kitchen; he was known to all as a prolific cook, and is remembered by the community for his restaurant, Riverside Café, in Piermont, NY, as well as for his Facebook posts of meals he created. His generosity was the true crux of his being, and he was happiest when he was giving to others; gifting his home-cooked meals was his ultimate expression of love. Whether he was taking his family on lavish dining outings, hosting trips to Yankee and Ranger games, or bringing gifts and treats to the family’s beloved four-legged members, Francis gave entirely from the heart.

Above all, Francis was “Nan,” “Nanny,” and “Uncle Nanny” to his sister Angela, whom he affectionately called “Immium,” and niece and goddaughter, Regina. For Regina, he was a parent and best friend. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for them. While his kind spirit attracted many lifelong friends, his greatest loyalty and deepest love always belonged to Angela and Regina.

Francis is also survived by Regina’s fiancé, Erik Herskowitz, whom he loved immensely. He also leaves behind beloved cousins, nieces and nephews Sal and Janet Leale, Suzanne Leale and Lisa Kisner, Deana (Leale) Armstrong and Jaime Armstrong, Justin and Jessica Leale, and Brian and Allison Leale. In his teenage and young adult years, Francis formed a strong bond with Sal, Suzanne, Deana, Justin, and Brian, and created special memories with each of them that survive his passing.

He was an idol to his great nieces and nephews and cherished his special relationship with Sal and Janet’s son, Jake Leale, as well as their daughter Madison Leale, and son Luke Leale, and Suzanne and Lisa’s son, Hunter Leale. Francis was also a proud uncle to great-nieces and great-nephews Emma, Cate, Sean, Anna, Ryan, Jake, and Alyssa, and was proud of all their tremendous successes.

Francis leaves behind an entire community who loved and adored him, including lifelong friends from the streets of Orangeburg and Tappan Zee High School, and newer friends whom he came to love with the same depth. Having been a fixture in the community for his entire life, Francis’s passing has been felt tremendously by all.

The family will receive their friends at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, NJ on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 4-8PM. Funeral Service at Piermont Reformed Church, 361 Ferdon Avenue, Piermont NY 10968 on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 11AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Columbus Zoo Conservation Fund for wildlife conservation https://www.columbuszoo.org/donate or the Rolling Dog Farm for disabled dogs https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/1439481