Julius J. Leone Sr., 97, of Fredonia, N.Y., affectionately known as “Papa Leone”, passed away May 14, 2021 at home with his loving family at his side. He was born March 26, 1924 in Fredonia to John and Carrie (Domenico) Leone. He entered military service on December 18, 1942. Julius was a Technical Sergeant in U.S. Army’s 127th Infantry during WWII. He saw action in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater, deployed in New Guinea, the Southern Philippines and was in the battle of Luzon. Julius was a recipient of the Good Conduct Medal, the Pacific Service Medal, and the Philippines Liberation Ribbon with Star. On December 7, 1945 Julius was discharged from the army and returned to civilian life. On August 12, 1950, he married his wife, the former Marian Martinelli. The couple celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary last August. A hard working man, he as a crane operator for 40 years at Allegany Ludlum and Al Tech and also worked farming grapes. Julius had many interests, he enjoyed wine making, canning, picking cardunas, wood working, playing the Italian game Mudda, fishing, riding his motor scooter and spending winters in St. Petersburg, Florida. Above all he was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. A proud U.S. Army Veteran, he was a member of the Fredonia Memorial American Legion Post # 59 and St. Anthony’s Church.

Julius is survived by: his wife, Marian Leone; his children: James (Georgiann Anderson) Leone, of Fredonia, Julius (Melodee DiRusso) Leone Jr, of Fredonia, Patricia Leone, of Fredonia, and Andrea Tarnowski, of Fredonia; grandchildren: Michael (Wendy) Leone of Magnolia, Delaware, Kari Leone (Kenneth) Novelli of Dunkirk, N.Y., Scott (Betsy) Leone of Manchester, Maryland, Jason (April) Leone of Chester, Maryland, Theresa Tarnowski of Fredonia, and Reanna Tarnowski of Fredonia; Great-grandchildren: Nicholas Novelli, stationed in Puerto Rico with the U. S. Coast Guard, Gianna Novelli of Dunkirk, Lillian Leone of Manchester, Maryland, Madalyn Leone of Manchester, Maryland, Evelyn Leone of Chester, Maryland, Wesley Leone of Chester, Maryland and several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Julius is predeceased by his brothers and sisters:
Joseph Leone, Nettie (Leone) Joy, Lena (Leone) Pchelka, Samuel, Anthony, Michael, Charles, Horace and Louis Leone.

The family thanks Dr. Richard Milazzo, Will Care, and Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care
for their kindness and care extended to Julius and family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mr. Leone’s memory may be made to the Fredonia Fire Department, 80 W. Main St, Fredonia, NY 14063 or Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care, 20 W Fairmount Ave, Lakewood, NY 14750. A graveside service will be held at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, S. Roberts Rd, Sheridan, NY on Saturday May 22, 2021 at 11am. Immediately following the service, a celebration of life will be held at the Fredonia Beaver Club on Prospect Street. NYS COVID-19 regulations will be in effect. Please wear a mask and maintain proper social distance. The graveside service will be live streamed on Julius’ site on the Larson-Timko Funeral Home website, larsontimkofuneralhome.com. The webcast link will be available on Saturday at 10:45 am with the service commencing at 11 am. If you have questions about the live streaming, please call the funeral home, 716-679-9000. On-line condolences may be made at larsontimkofuneralhome.com. Arrangements by David J. Dengler, LARSON-TIMKO Funeral Home, 716-679-9000.