Salvatore L. Leone's Obituary
Salvatore L. Leone, a Tampa native passed away on Feb. 1, 2020. He was born to Philomena and Anthony G. Leone on Dec. 18, 1932 at Centro Asturiano Hospital in Ybor City. Sam was raised in West Tampa and attended McFarlane Park Elementary, West Tampa Junior High and Jefferson High School where he played trumpet in the marching band. In 1953, Sam married the love of his life Jeanette Midulla; a marriage which lasted 66 years. Sam served in the Korean War and returned to work at his father’s store, Leone Brothers Grocery. In 1965 Sam started Vanity Homes and later in 1978 created Leone Home-Land specializing in both residential and commercial construction. An early riser, Sam frequented numerous West Tampa coffee shops to meet up with his buddies and drink café con leche. Always proud of his Italian heritage, Sam was active in the Sons of Italy lodge. He was also a former member of the Krewe of St. Yago. His life centered around his family. Sam and Jeanette loved dancing and traveling together. They always wanted their children close whether at their beach house or in Tampa. Sam never missed an event for their children or grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son Anthony J. Leone. He will be dearly missed by those who survived him, his wife Jeanette, his beloved brother James Leone, daughters Patrizia Messina (Michael), Jeanine Gresham (Jack); grandchildren A. J. Leone, Michael Messina (Annette), Jenna Leone, Sara Jennewein (Andrew) and Caroline Gresham and great-grandchildren Michael and Lila Messina. He will be also be missed by many cousins and extended family. In lieu flowers donations can be made to Florida Gulf Coast Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.
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