Leone Nello Dell'Olio

Leone Nello Dell'Olio, 93, died peacefully on August 14, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his family, after a period of declining health.

Born and raised in Worcester, he was the son of Joseph and Maria (Simone) Dell'Olio, immigrants from Bisceglie, Italy. His Italian heritage and family connections remained central throughout his life.

Leone was the beloved husband of the late Barbara (Dumas) Dell'Olio, with whom he shared sixty-one years of marriage. Together they traveled, enjoyed golf and built a life centered around family and friends. He was also predeceased in death by his daughter, Anne Marie Dell'Olio, and his brothers Andrew J. and Robert D. Dell'Olio.

He is survived by his daughter, Gina M. Dell'Olio Balderelli and her husband, Todd Balderelli, of Worcester; his son, Neil Joseph Dell'Olio, of Berlin, Germany; his brothers and sisters in law Joseph M. and Mary Louise Dell'Olio of Wilmington, Delaware and Gene N. and Elaine Dell'Olio of Shrewsbury. Plus, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family in the Worcester area and Italy.

Leone graduated from Commerce High School in 1952 as senior class president. He then served in the United States Army Military Police in Germany from 1953 to 1955.

Upon returning from the army, Leone worked in Boston at the Hotel Somerset and the Hotel Buckminster. He started as a dishwasher and worked his way up to night manager. At the Hotel Buckminster, he enjoyed the Storyville Jazz Club where he met several important musicians of the time including Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughn, Charlie Parker, and Miles Davis. He brought this experience to the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas, where he worked as a night manager for a brief period of time before returning to Worcester to support his family.

Leone worked for Moore Business Forms before founding his own company General Data Graphics in 1982, which he operated for more than 40 years until retiring in 2024. During these years, Leone enjoyed playing racquet ball and golf and was a member of Pleasant Valley Country Club. He was active in the Worcester branch of the Unico Club, and the Columbus Civic Association.

Leone loved cooking, traveling, music, and meeting people especially in Italy. He loved Italy deeply and shared that joy by taking his family and friends on frequent trips to his ancestral home. He also traveled extensively to other countries, and the states with his wife Barbara.

Above all, Leone was devoted to his family. He was a loving and generous father who took pride in supporting those he loved. He was the glue that kept the family together. He enjoyed Sunday dinners, and gathering with family and friends, where there was always a seat at his table. Leone was the unofficial historian of the Shrewsbury Steet neighborhood, with a remarkable memory for people, businesses, and the stories that made the street special. He was known for his strong opinions and lively conversations.

His legacy lives on through his family, friendships, and the many lives he has touched. Leone will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Calling Hours will be Friday the 21st of August from 4pm to 7pm at Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester.

The Funeral Service will be on Saturday the 22nd of August starting 10am at Mercadante Funeral Home, with interment and Military Funeral Honors, following at Saint John’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made in Leone's name to:

JHC Hospice, 646 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609 or to WICN Public Radio 50 Portland St., Worcester, MA. 01608.