Anthony "Toby" Leone

Anthony “Toby” Leone, 91, a longtime Worcester resident was called home to Our Lord Jesus Christ in the early morning hours of Saturday, January 7, 2023, surrounded at home by the love of his wife and family. Toby is reunited in heaven with his infant son Richard, his parents and five siblings.

Toby was born in Worcester one of eight children to Daniel and Irene (Orsi) Leone. He grew up in the Fairlawn neighborhood of Shrewsbury and graduated from Shrewsbury High School. Toby joined the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict serving as a member of the U.S. Army Band. Upon discharge from service, Toby returned home and with the blessing of her mother he married Leah Pingeton, the “love of his life”, on September 17, 1955. Toby and Leah settled in Worcester raising their family with love, faith, and devotion for the next 67 years.

Toby began his working years with the family business, Leone Construction, before accepting a position with American Linen, and lastly as a member of the Massachusetts Turnpike, from where he retired. Through the years, Toby also served as a bartender. Toby was a family first man and always had the well-being of his wife and children as his first priority. He also shared the love in his heart with all his family members, who remember him as a kind, gentle and loving man.

Anthony is survived by his wife, Leah; his three children, Denise M. Paquette and her husband Edward of Bluffton, SC, Joseph J. Leone and his wife Cathi, Melissa J. Lajeunesse and her husband Michael all of Worcester; two sisters, Patty Ferraro and Cookie Greenwich both of Worcester; seven grandchildren who lovingly called him “Papa”, Edward Jr, Erin, Joseph, Elizabeth, Nicholas, Christopher and Megan; and was “G-pop” to eight great grandchildren, Tyler, Jillian, Keygan, Bella, Jaxton, Dominic, Patrick and Frederick; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. In addition to his parents and infant son, Richard, five siblings, Jean Sciascia, Margie Gagliastri, Barbara Messer, Daniel, and Robert Leone, all predeceased him.

A man of devout faith, Anthony was a member of Our Lady of Mt Carmel/Loreto Parish, he was a third-degree Knight with the Adelphi Counsel Knights of Columbus, the Eastside Post 201 American Legion, Italian American Victory Club, and a longtime member of the Frohsinn Club. Toby was musically inclined and though he never took a lesson he played the trumpet, harmonica, accordion, drums and his favorite the piano. He enjoyed watching sports, loved playing horseshoes, dancing with Leah, and year-round banana splits, a Miller Lite (sometimes two!) and any dessert especially anything chocolate. For several years during retirement, Leah and Toby enjoyed meeting friends at the McDonalds on rte. 20.

Toby was a quiet, humble man with a huge heart, bright smile, and gentle way. A man of few words and many deeds, his most memorable times were those spent with his family especially his children and grandchildren.

Calling hours for Toby will be held Wednesday, January 11, from 3 pm to 6 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. His funeral will be held Thursday January 12 the from the funeral home with a procession to Our Lady of Mount Carmel/Loreto Church, 37 Massasoit Rd where his celebration of Christian burial Mass will be held at 11 am. Burial with military honors will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton.